inning

noun

in·​ning ˈi-niŋ How to pronounce inning (audio)
1
a
: a division of a baseball game consisting of a turn at bat for each team
also : a baseball team's turn at bat ending with the third out
b
innings ˈi-niŋz How to pronounce inning (audio) plural in form but singular or plural in construction : a division of a cricket match
c
: a player's turn (as in horseshoes, pool, or croquet)
2
: a chance or opportunity for action or accomplishment
usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
that momentous innings which was to project him into world politicsThe Times Literary Supplement (London)

Examples of inning in a Sentence

She hit a double in the fourth inning.
Recent Examples on the Web Justin Tims finished off with three shutout innings. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2024 In what should be the final inning of the great ballpark saga, city and county representatives negotiating with the team have an opportunity to regain control over the Coliseum property. Daniel Borenstein, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 In the ninth inning, Vaz chased down a foul ball off the bat of Angels outfielder Jorge Ruiz. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2024 Peter Lambert and Jalen Beeks combined for three scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and one walk between them. Sarah Kelly, The Denver Post, 4 Mar. 2024 Shortstop Gavin Lux bobbled a grounder in the third inning for his second error in two games after also making a miscue Wednesday against the Texas Rangers. Doug Padilla, Orange County Register, 2 Mar. 2024 In 2003, Roy Halladay led baseball with 266 innings pitched, and there were 51 pitchers who threw at least 200 innings. Jared Wyllys, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 In the second inning, Lugo hit a man before ending his outing on a high note. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 San Fernando 4, Taft 1: Ray Pelayo struck out eight in five innings for San Fernando. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

in entry 2 + -ing entry 1

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of inning was in 1735

Dictionary Entries Near inning

Cite this Entry

“Inning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inning. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inning

noun
in·​ning ˈin-iŋ How to pronounce inning (audio)
: a division of a baseball game consisting of a turn at bat for each team
also : a baseball team's turn at bat

More from Merriam-Webster on inning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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