field guide

noun

: an illustrated manual for identifying natural objects, flora, or fauna in nature

Examples of field guide in a Sentence

a field guide to the birds
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ahead, find your field guide to the most succulent jammy nail ideas of the season. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 29 June 2026 The short field guide that each guest is issued is whimsical enough for a fun read but not quite enough to go on. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 June 2026 The bird on a telephone wire looks exactly like the bird in a century-old field guide. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Pair the apps with a paperback field guide, which offers a broader picture than apps that tend to funnel you toward just one or two likely matches. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for field guide

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of field guide was in 1877

Rhymes for field guide

See All Rhymes for field guide

Browse Nearby Words

field gromwell
field guide
field hand
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Field guide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/field%20guide. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

field guide

noun
: a small book with words and pictures for identifying plants, animals, or natural objects (as rocks) that are found in nature
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