noun
Refers to agricultural land or open fields. Often used in compounds or literary contexts.
野良で働く農家の姿が見える。
You can see farmers working in the fields.
noun, used as a prefix, noun
stray; ownerless
Used as a prefix for animals without an owner, especially dogs and cats. Common in 野良犬, 野良猫.
公園に野良猫がたくさんいる。
There are many stray cats in the park.
野良犬に餌をあげないでください。
Please do not feed the stray dogs.
noun
random player; stranger
Internet slang used in online multiplayer games to refer to a player you don't know, as opposed to a friend. Often used in phrases like 野良プレイ (playing with randoms).
野良と組むよりフレンドと遊びたい。
I'd rather play with friends than team up with randoms.
Originally referred to fields or countryside. The 'stray' meaning developed from the idea of animals living in the wild without an owner. The ateji 良 is used phonetically.