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
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.
But that could be changing after Thomson went to Ruiz to get a big out in the eighth inning of Friday’s 3-2 win over the Dodgers. Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 He’s allowed one run and two walks through 12 2/3 innings. Levi Weaver, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 The 6-2 senior from White Rock, British Columbia, has allowed one earned run or less in seven of his last eight outings covering 15 2/3 innings since Feb. 26. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 8 Apr. 2025 After returning from injury, he's posted a 3.72 ERA and has struck out 11 hitters in 9 2/3 innings for the Marlins. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inning

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inning. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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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