Definition
The point along a runway approximately halfway between its two ends, used as a reference position for traffic pattern entries, crossings, and position reports at non-towered airports.
Plain English
The middle of the runway, measured along its length — halfway between the two runway ends.
Context Anchor
You will hear or use midfield in non-towered airport position reports when pilots describe where they are around the runway.
Derivation
A simple combination of 'mid' (middle) and 'field' (the airfield). 'Field' has long been used in aviation as shorthand for an airport or landing area, so 'midfield' literally means the middle of the airfield, applied specifically to the runway's halfway point.
Why Pilots Care
Midfield is a common reference point for crossing over an airport to enter the downwind leg, and for radio position reports. Knowing exactly where it is helps you judge pattern entry timing and stay predictable to other traffic.
Intuition Check
Midfield does not mean halfway through the flight. In this airport context, it means the middle of the runway or airport area used as a location reference.
Example Sentence 1
Cessna 8345 Bravo, crossing midfield at 2,000 feet to enter the left downwind for runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
After landing, the aircraft taxied through midfield to reach the ramp.