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have a field day

Definition of have a field day

Examples of have a field day in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'have a field day.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near have a field day

have a few minutes/moments

have a finger in a/the/every pie

Cite this Entry

“Have a field day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%20a%20field%20day. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.

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• have a great time doing something enjoyable
• a day of excitement
• an opportunity to do something you enjoy doing
• a great deal to do, especially at someone else’s expense

Example Sentences

• The children had a field day when they were taken on a trip to the museum.
• Our boss did not turn up today, so we had a field day at office. None of us did any work.
• The media had a  field day when the news of the minister’s illicit affair was leaked.
• The team building trip was a great success. We had a  field day playing games, singing, dancing and enjoying ourselves.
• The press had a field day when rumours broke out that the celebrity couple were getting separated.
• With no one to supervise them, the kids had a  field day , running all over the house, breaking things and generally creating a huge mess.

Origin The phrase originates from the military. It was used in the literal sense, for a day spent in the field, doing manoeuvers and drills, and the first reference is found in 1747, in Scheme Equip. Men of War. Over the years, it began to be used with reference to other events as well, and by the 20th century, the current meaning was well in use.

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Similar Idioms

• foam at the mouth
• feather in your cap

Definition of 'field trip'

Field trip in british english, field trip in american english, examples of 'field trip' in a sentence field trip, trends of field trip.

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Definition of field trip noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• We went on a geology field trip.
• Delegates at the conference were taken on field trips to see the devastation.

Take your English to the next level

The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

Wonder of the Day #2408

Why are Field Trips Called Field Trips?

LANGUAGE ARTS — Languages

Have You Ever Wondered...

• Why are field trips called field trips?
• What are the benefits of field trips?
• Why should family members go on field trips?
• Education ,
• Field Trip ,
• Grandparent ,
• Foster Parent ,
• Classmate ,
• Ecosystem ,
• Chaperone ,

Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Madie . Madie Wonders , “ Why do they call field trips field trips? ” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Madie !

Have you ever gone on a field trip? Field trip day is often the most exciting day of school! Family members volunteer to go along, and they--along with all the kids--pack a lunch and load up the bus for the day ahead. Field trips are both fun and educational . But have you ever WONDERed where the name came from? What puts the FIELD in field trips?

When you think of the word “field,” many things might come to mind. Do you picture farmland? An open prairie ? How about a baseball diamond or soccer field? Adults might even think of the field (area of interest) they work in. History buffs might think of famous battlefields . A scientist’s mind might go to magnetic fields .

As you can see, the word “field” has many definitions. But when people talk about field trips, they’re using a less common meaning of the word “field.” In this case, “field” describes work done outside of an office or classroom. That makes sense if you think about what a field trip is. It’s an outing that gives you the chance to learn something new outside of school!

The best field trips teach you a lot while you’re having fun. A trip to the zoo can lead kids to learn about new animals. Going to a national monument gives you the chance to experience history firsthand. Even a field trip to a local park can be educational . Kids can learn about new plants and ecosystems .

The value of field trips can’t be overstated . Any student or teacher will tell you field trips are great. And there’s plenty of research to support that, too! Studies on field trips show they have many benefits . Field trips can help students become more interested in new topics. They can also make kids feel more positive about what they learn. Unsurprisingly, studies also found that students remember field trips for a long time!

It’s no wonder that field trips are unforgettable. There’s nothing like setting out on an adventure with your teachers and classmates. Often, kids even get to bring family members along for the ride.

One of the best things about field trips is that they give families the chance to learn together. Parents , grandparents, foster parents , and other adults who chaperone field trips really add to the experience . They get the chance to know their child’s teacher and classmates better. Best of all, adult chaperones can join in the fun and learning right alongside the students!

What kind of field trip would you like to go on? Do you want to tour a local museum? How about a trip to a cave or factory ? You can learn something new from just about any location!

Common Core , Next Generation Science Standards , and National Council for the Social Studies ."> Standards : CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.W.7, CCRA.W.8, CCRA.W.9, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.L.1, CCRA.L.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.W.1, CCRA.SL.1

Wonder What's Next?

Learn to appreciate differences with tomorrow's Wonder of the Day!

Bring an adult friend or family member along to help with any of these activities:

• Where would you like to go on your next field trip? Identify a location, then write a letter persuading your teacher to take a field trip there. Include details that will convince them. What makes this place interesting? What will you learn? How does it relate to what you’re doing in school?
• Take a virtual field trip! With the help of a friend or family member, identify a topic you want to learn more about. Then, learn more about it on Wonderopolis or Kiddle . Search for related pictures on Safe Search ! Write a paragraph to share what you learned.
• You don’t have to wait for school to take a field trip! Ask an adult friend or family member to take you on an educational trip. Watch birds in your local park. Visit the zoo. Go to the post office or a nearby art museum. Ask questions and talk with your friend or family member about what you learned!

Wonder Sources

• https://naaee.org/eepro/research/library/student-self-reported-learning-outcomes (accessed 24 July 2014)
• https://www.informalscience.org/news-views/field-trips-are-valuable-learning-experiences (accessed 24 July 2014)
• https://www.parentscanada.com/school/the-advantages-school-field-trips-can-offer-kids-and-parents (accessed 24 July 2014)
• https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/field (accessed 24 July 2014)

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Wonder contributors.

We’d like to thank:

Zackery , Nathan , donna and Ms.Wahlin's for contributing questions about today’s Wonder topic!

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Wonder Words

• educational

Thanks, cncolover!

We're glad you liked this Wonder, Adelaide! Keep WONDERing with us!

That's a great question for a Wonder Journey, Daniel! Let us know what you find out. 

That's WONDERful, jack! 

We hope you enjoyed that play, chase! What other field trips have you gone on?

Thanks for stopping by, mason!

Have you ever gone on a field trip wonderopolis peeps???????

We've gone on many field trips! They're the best. 

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Question 1 of 3

Which of these is NOT a benefit of field trips?

• a Higher interest in a new topic Not Quite!
• b More positive feelings toward learning Not Quite!
• c Family members can come along and learn together Not Quite!
• d Students get to go wherever they want Correct!

Question 2 of 3

When someone talks about field trips, the word “field” means...

• a work done outside of an office or classroom. Correct!
• b an open prairie. Not Quite!
• c an area of interest. Not Quite!
• d a place to play sports. Not Quite!

Question 3 of 3

This Wonder was mostly about...

• a where in the US you can take the best field trips. Not Quite!
• b why schools often choose not to take field trips. Not Quite!
• c why field trips are called field trips and how they can benefit learning. Correct!
• d how to persuade a family member to go on your next field trip. Not Quite!

Quiz Results

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How to Have a Safe, Fun, and Successful Field Trip

When You Leave the Classroom, There's a Whole New Set of Rules

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New teachers might naively think that field trips are easier and more fun than a typical day in the classroom. But throw in crises like a lost group of children or wasp stings, and field trips can go from fun to frantic in no time.

But if you adjust your expectations you can come up with a new, more practical way to approach field trips and minimize the chances of drama and mayhem.

Tips for a Successful Field Trip

Follow these field trip tips and you'll likely create fun learning adventures for your students:

• Explicitly discuss field trip behavior rules with your students beforehand. Teach, model, and review appropriate field trip behavior with your students for at least a week before the big event. Drill into their heads that field trips are not the time or place to mess around and that any aberrant behavior will result in non-participation in any future field trips that school year. Sound serious and back it up with consequences as needed. It's good to have your students scared of testing the boundaries on field trips. Emphasize that they are representing our school's reputation when they are off-campus and that we want to present our best behavior to the outside world. Make it a point of pride and reward them afterward for a job well done.
• Give your students a learning task ahead of time. Your students should show up for the field trip with a base of knowledge on the subject at hand, as well as questions to answer before returning to the classroom. Spend some time in the weeks before the field trip discussing the subject matter. Review a list of questions they will be looking to answer during the field trip. This will keep them informed, engaged, and focused on learning all day long.
• Choose parent chaperones wisely. Field trips require as many adult eyes and ears as you can get, but unfortunately, you can't be everywhere at once. From the first day of school, observe the parents of your students closely, looking for signs of responsibility, firmness, and maturity. A lax or careless parent can be your worst nightmare on a field trip, so choose your parental allies wisely. That way, you'll reap the benefits of having adult partners in the field trip process.
• Make sure you have all the necessary medications. Talk to the school nurse and procure any and all medications that your students usually take during the day. While on the field trip, make sure you administer the medications accordingly. If you have students will allergies, you may need to get trained on how to use an EpiPen. If so, the student involved will need to stay with you at all times.
• Arrive at school early on field trip day. The students will be excited and antsy, ready to go. You'll want to greet the chaperones and give them instructions for the day. It takes some time to organize the sack lunches and ensure that everyone has what they need for the day. And one last pep talk on appropriate behavior never hurt anybody.
• Give your chaperones the tools they need to succeed. Make nametags for all chaperones and students. Create a "cheat sheet" of the day's itinerary, special rules, your cell phone number, and the names of all kids in each chaperone's group; distribute these sheets to each adult on the field trip. Procure and label grocery bags that each chaperone can use to carry the group's sack lunches. Consider getting a little thank-you gift for each chaperone, or treat them to lunch that day.
• Be proactive with regards to challenging students. If you have a student who causes trouble regularly in the classroom , it's safe to assume he or she will cause at least five times more trouble in public. If possible, ask his or her parent to be a chaperone. That will usually limit any potential problems. Also, when you are making groups, split any problem pairs into separate groups. This is a good policy for troublemakers, chatty kids, or bickering frenemies. And it's probably best to keep the most challenging students in your own group, rather than pawning them off on an unsuspecting parent chaperone.
• Count all day. As the teacher, you will likely spend most of your day counting heads and making sure everyone is accounted for. Obviously, the worst thing that can occur on a field trip is losing a student. So count accurately and often. Enlist the help of chaperones in this task, but do it yourself too, for your own peace of mind. Keeping track of each and every student is the number one priority of field trip day.
• Do a "debriefing" when you return to the classroom. If you have a few extra minutes after the field trip and before dismissal from school, put on some soothing classical music and have the students draw about what they saw and learned that day. It gives them a chance to decompress and review what they experienced. The next day, it's a good idea to do a more active and in-depth review of the field trip material, extending the learning further and connecting it to what you're working on in the classroom.
• Write thank-you notes after the field trip. Lead a class language arts lesson the day after your field trip, formally thanking the people who hosted your group. This serves as an etiquette lesson for your students and helps form your school's good reputation at the field trip destination. In future years, this goodwill could translate into prime perks for your school.

With proper planning and a positive attitude, field trips can be unique ways to explore the outside world with your students. Stay flexible and always have a Plan B, and you should do just fine.

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The meaning and origin of the expression: Field day

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Field day'?

A day of excitement or a circumstance of opportunity.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Field day'?

The term 'field day'was first used by the military. Their literal sense of the term, that is, a day spent in field manoeuvres, is now little used.

Yesterday was Field Day for the Horse in Hide-Park, when one of the four Troops of Guards pass'd in Review there before the several Officers of their own Corps.

A more specifically military reference comes from a little later, in The Edinburgh Advertiser , May 1776:

"The officers, on a general field day, instead of commanding, are obliged to coax them [the soldiery] to go through their different manoeuvers."

'Field day' was a commonly used term in the military throughout the rest of the 18th century. During the 19th century it began to be extended to refer to any event that might happen in a field; for example:

Hunting: "Sometimes a dance (though rarely on field days, For then the gentlemen were rather tired)." - Lord Byron, Don Juan , 1823. Scientific expeditions: "We had a delightful field-day in the abbey." - Sir George Gilbert Scott Recollections , 1878.

Around that time the term also began to be used for any exciting or welcome event, as in Thomas Creevey's Letters , 1827:

"Saturday was a considerable field day in Arlington Street, ... and a very merry jolly dinner and evening we had."

We spend less time in fields now than before and during the 20th century the term was further extended to include opportunity as well as enjoyment; for example, 'Clergyman found drunk in nightclub - the tabloids will have a field day with that'.

By Gary Martin

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

America’s Field Trip

The Contest

What Does America Mean to You?

In 2026, the United States will mark our Semiquincentennial: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years — and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.

America’s Field Trip is a new contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — and earning the opportunity to participate in unforgettable field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.

Students may submit artwork, videos, or essays in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”

The Field Trips

Extraordinary Visits to Iconic National Landmarks

Twenty-five first-place awardees from each grade level category will receive free travel and lodging for a 3-day, 2-night trip to a select historical or cultural site where they will experience one of the following:

• Tour of the Statue of Liberty in New York
• Tour and hike at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana
• Weekend at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado
• Unique tours at the National Archives or the Library of Congress in Washington, DC
• Special tours at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, or the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC
• Explore America’s iconic financial capital, New York City, with private tours of Federal Reserve Bank of New York Museum and Learning Center and The Bank of New York Mellon , the country’s oldest bank
• Experience National Parks of Boston with a special visit to the USS Constitution and a sunset cruise to Spectacle Island
• Candlelight tour at Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge
• Costumed roleplaying experience at American Village in Alabama

Second-place awardees will receive a $500 cash award. The teacher associated with the top scoring student submissions in each grade level category will receive a $1,000 cash award.

See full list of field trips

Submission Guidelines

• Elementary School (3rd to 5th Grade): Students may submit artwork, including physical or digital artwork through a high-res photo or a short essay (up to 100 words).
• Middle School (6th to 8th Grade): Students may submit artwork or a video (up to two minutes).
• High School (9th to 12th Grade): Students may submit an essay (up to 1,000 words) or a video (up to two minutes).

Judging Criteria

A diverse panel of judges consisting of current and former teachers will consider the submissions based on the following weighted criteria:

• CLARITY OF IDEA [25%]: How well does the Entrant use both their personal and academic experiences to clearly address the Question? Does the Entry effectively convey ideas, emotion, or a story visually or with words by acknowledging the past or celebrating America’s achievements and possibilities for the future? Does the response offer fresh insight and innovative thinking?
• STUDENT VOICE [50%]: Is there passion in the Entry or a point-of-view that showcases a unique perspective on the diverse range of different experiences that make America unique in an original/authentic way?
• PRESENTATION [25%]: What makes the submission content more compelling, fresh, or interesting than other Entrants’ content in their grade level category?

Want to stand out? Create something that feels special to you and has a personal touch. And remember, you don’t have to focus on our country’s past — you can talk about America’s future too. Finally, be creative and think outside the box!

Resources for Teachers

Teachers and school administrators will play an important role in engaging students and school communities in this contest and commemorating America’s 250th anniversary.

Students participating in the America’s Field Trip contest will be challenged to think critically about the nation’s journey to becoming a more perfect union, reflecting on the pivotal events and historical figures that have shaped the country.

In partnership with Discovery Education, America250 has developed standards-aligned lesson plans to assist educators in bringing the America’s Field Trip contest to their classrooms. Educator resources can be downloaded here.

In partnership with

Funding provided by The Bank of New York Mellon Foundation

What is America250?

America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating and celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country. It is spearheaded by the congressionally-appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit supporting organization, America250.org, Inc.

How can I bring America’s Field Trip into my classroom?

America250 partnered with Discovery Education, the worldwide edtech leader, to develop custom educational programming that helps students deepen their understanding of America’s 250th anniversary and encourages participation in the America’s Field Trip contest with ready-to-use resources and activities for teachers.

What should I submit?

Submission requirements differ by age group.

Elementary School ( 3rd to 5th Grade): Students are asked to submit artwork in response to the prompt or a short essay (up to 100 words). Artwork can include physical artwork like sculptures, painting, photography, etc. submitted through a high-res photo or a digital drawing.

Middle School (6th to 8th Grade): Students are asked to submit artwork or a video (up to two minutes).

High School (9th to 12th Grade): Students are asked to submit a written essay (up to 1,000 words) or a video (up to two minutes).

How will field trips be selected, and who will be chaperoning the trips?

Trips will be organized by America250 and chaperoned by the  recipient’s parent or legal guardian along with other field trip recipients. First-place awardees will get to express their preference for trips, and final locations will be determined based on age group, availability, and recipient preference.

Can students bring their families on their Field Trips?

Students are required to have one chaperone, which must be a parent or legal guardian.

Will America’s Field Trip programming continue after 2024?

Yes, this year is a pilot program that America250 hopes to grow and expand, including with more field trips and award recipients in 2025 and 2026.

Have more questions? See the FAQs . Read the official contest rules here .

Ready to Share What America Means to You?

Once you finish responding to the prompt, you must have a teacher, parent, or legal guardian upload your submission for consideration.

Field Trip Hosts

Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!

A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.

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Venice’s Tourist Fee Is Now in Effect — What to Know

The fee is in place for day-visitors over 14 years old from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stacey Wreathall/Travel + Leisure

Day visitors to Venice on Thursday had to pay to get in as the famous city started implementing the much-talked about day trip fee.

Travelers hoping to explore the Italian city had to pony up €5 ($5.36) per person at the train station. The fee, which was first floated as an idea in 2019 but postponed several times , will initially be in effect for 29 days and cover most weekends through mid-July.

“We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,’’ Simone Venturini, the city’s top tourism official, told The Associated Press . “We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days.”

The dates the fee is in effect were displayed on large signs at Venice’s main train station on Thursday, the wire service reported, with separate entrances available for tourists, and residents, students, and workers.

The fee, which is in effect for travelers over 14 years old from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., can be paid online . Day visitors who pay in advance receive a QR code, which they must then show to officials at Venice's main access points.

On Thursday, the AP noted there were stewards available to help travelers unaware of the new rules to download the QR code and pay.

Tourists who are staying overnight will not have to pay the new day fee, but must apply online for an exemption . Overnight guests who book a hotel stay are already subject to a different tax.

This fee is the city’s latest effort to address overtourism. In January, Venice built on that goal by announcing plans to limit the number of travelers allowed on tour groups to no more than 25 people. That rule will apply to Venice’s historic center as well as the popular islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

These efforts come months after UNESCO spared Venice from its list of world heritage sites in danger once again despite recommendations to add it.

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Pope Francis visits Venice, says his work isn't easy

Sunday, 28 Apr 2024

Pope Francis attends a meeting with grandparents and grandchildren at an event sponsored by Italy's "Fondazione Eta Grande" (Old Age Foundation), in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, April 27, 2024. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

VENICE (Reuters) -Pope Francis made his first trip out of Rome for seven months on Sunday with a packed visit to Venice that took in an art exhibition, a prison and a Mass, with the 87-year pontiff acknowledging that life could be hard.

Hobbled by recent bouts of ill-heath, the pope read out three speeches and a homily during his five-hour stay, moving around the lagoon city by wheelchair, golf buggy and motorlaunch.

Although he appeared well and spoke in a clear voice, he also made a rare acknowledgement of the strains of the job.

"Please pray for me because this work is not easy," he told thousands of faithful gathered in St Mark's Square.

He started the day by flying by helicopter into a women's prison where the Vatican has set up an exhibition that is part of the Venice Biennale -- a prestigious international art show that has never been visited by a pope before.

The unusual decision to house the Holy See pavilion in a jail highlighted Francis' repeated calls for society to rally around the poor and neglected, including prison populations.

"Prison is a harsh reality, and problems such as overcrowding, the lack of facilities and resources, and episodes of violence, give rise to a great deal of suffering. But it can also become a place of moral and material rebirth," he told inmates and guards on Sunday.

"Let us not forget that we all have mistakes to be forgiven and wounds to heal," he said, before meeting some of the artists who put together the exhibition entitled "Through My Eyes".

Francis then addressed a group of young Venetians in front of the Santa Maria della Salute basilica, urging them not to spend their life glued to their smartphones, but to help others.

"If we always focus on our self, our needs, and what we lack, we will always find ourselves back at the starting point, crying over ourselves with a long face," he said.

PONTOON BRIDGE

The Venice visit was the pope's first trip beyond Rome since a brief journey to France last September. He had been due to go to the United Arab Emirates in December, but pulled out after coming down with influenza and unexpectedly withdrew from a Good Friday procession in March "to preserve his health".

A painful knee ailment makes it hard for him to walk and on Sunday he regularly used a wheelchair, with Vatican News Television cutting away whenever he was helped into a chair to give a speech, or onto his white golf cart.

To let the pope easily reach St. Mark's Square in the heart of Venice, workers erected a pontoon bridge spanning the Grand Canal that he was driven across, watched by hundreds of onlookers on land and in boats and gondolas.

Francis acknowledged Venice's "enchanting beauty" in his homily at a Mass before some 10,000 people in the shadow of St. Mark's Basilica, one of the most celebrated churches in Italy.

But he said the city also faced an array of challenges, including climate change, the fragility of its cultural heritage, and overtourism.

"Moreover, all these realities risk generating ... frayed social relations, individualism, and loneliness," he said.

Venice introduced a 5-euro charge last week for day-trippers during peak travel periods in an effort to thin the crowds.

The pope's Venice trip was the first of four planned inside Italy in the next three months. He is scheduled to visit Verona in May and Trieste in July, and is also expected to attend a June summit of Group of Seven (G7) leaders in Bari.

In September, he is set to embark on the longest foreign trip of his papacy, travelling to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore from Sept. 2-13.

(Writing by Crispian BalmerEditing by Gavin Jones and Frances Kerry)

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Meaning of field day in English

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• asynchronous
• immersion course
• interdisciplinarity
• on a course
• open admissions
• open classroom
• work placement
• And by now the School had begun to suspect that the field days were conducted mainly to satisfy Rogers's inordinate conceit.  
• But my running, on which I prided myself most—I entered for the two-mile, one field day, and won only third place.  
• Having gained intelligence of an approaching field day, we prepared a strong solution of gum, with which we varnished the bottom of a leather chair upon which he sat in the school.  

field day | American Dictionary

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Word of the Day

doggie day care

a place where owners can leave their dogs when they are at work or away from home in the daytime, or the care the dogs receive when they are there

Dead ringers and peas in pods (Talking about similarities, Part 2)

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