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.
Starting pitcher Logan Webb #62 of the San Francisco Giants throws a warm-up pitch during the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 24, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 The Phillies went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position Sunday, but the Braves didn’t even advance a runner to second base until the ninth inning. David O'Brien, New York Times, 30 June 2025 The Royals had a comfortable eight-run lead in the ninth inning of Saturday’s game against the Dodgers, so manager Matt Quatraro made a few changes. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025 The swing-man took a no-hitter into the ninth inning on Friday after making his two previous appearances out of the bullpen. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 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 6 Jul. 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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