brownfield

noun

brown·​field ˈbrau̇n-ˌfēld How to pronounce brownfield (audio)
often attributive
: a tract of land that has been developed for industrial purposes, polluted, and then abandoned

Examples of brownfield in a Sentence

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.
Taken out of service in the 1950s, it was partially demolished and fell into disrepair, later becoming a brownfield and Superfund site, contaminated with toxic chemicals. Elyssa Goodman, Them., 23 Dec. 2025 The initiative will find land for energy projects, prioritizing brownfields and industrial zones over green spaces. Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025 Hyde Development has a history of being able to work with previously polluted sites, also called infill sites or brownfields, like the Twin Lakes site, Hyde said. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 27 Nov. 2025 There may be issues with repurposing brownfield sites, however, is if data centers are replacing an industrial plant that's still running – meaning job losses. Tasmin Lockwood, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brownfield

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of brownfield was in 1977

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Brownfield.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brownfield. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Legal Definition

brownfield

noun
brown·​field ˈbrau̇n-ˌfēld How to pronounce brownfield (audio)
: a tract of land that has been developed for industrial purposes, polluted, and then abandoned
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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