inning

noun

in·​ning ˈi-niŋ 

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  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 politics

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

Examples of inning in a Sentence

She hit a double in the fourth inning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Roberts pointed to the team’s improved defense, even though the Padres tied the game at 3-3 in the sixth inning on a throwing error by Betts, the former right fielder and second baseman who is now playing shortstop. —Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2024

Alabama added two runs in the eighth inning against Will McEntire, with one run scoring on a throwing error by catcher Ryder Helfrick. —Bob Holt, arkansasonline.com, 15 Apr. 2024

What followed that night was a high-scoring contest typical of the minor leagues: the River Cats fell behind 7-1 early, and by the fifth inning some fans were headed back to the enormous parking lot. —Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024

Rogers has pitched exactly five innings in each of his first three starts of the season. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2024

Julius went all seven innings striking out 11 and walking two. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2024

After two outs in the fifth inning of a scoreless game, the next 10 Patriots reached base safely and seven scored en route to a 7-1 victory over Scripps Ranch (9-5, 0-2). —Jim Lindgren, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024

The lefty gave up two runs on six hits over six innings, striking out two and walking two. —Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2024

In the ninth inning, however, the visitors’ tightrope lead cratered. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

in entry 2 + -ing entry 1

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing inning

• the seventh-inning stretch

Kids Definition

inning

noun

in·​ning ˈin-iŋ 

: a division of a baseball game consisting of a turn at bat for each team

also : a baseball team's turn at bat