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.
Aidan Young had a solo home run in the first inning. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025 In an exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants, the three-time MVP belted a two-run home run to right field in the third inning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 4-0 lead, setting off a roar from the roughly 42,000 fans in attendance. David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025 University of San Diego product Jack Costello put the first hit in the Padres’ column with one out in the seventh inning, singling sharply to left field. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 The first college team to hit five consecutive homers was Centenary, which did it against Stephen F. Austin in the first inning of a game in 1992. Ryan Morik, Fox News, 13 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 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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