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.
Cal Quantrill has been a below-average innings eater for them this season, posting a 5.24 ERA over 19 starts and 87 2/3 innings. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 They were coupled with low lows — a six-run inning and grand slam given up by Jesús Luzardo on Wednesday, struggles with runners in scoring position at times. Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 25 July 2025 On Friday, Guilford scored its only run in the third inning, when Addy Pradith walked with two outs, advanced to second on a passed ball and came home on a single by Michaela Mascari. Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2025 Defensively, Narvaez has been even better, with a DRS total of 15 that leads all catchers in the big leagues (again, with at least 100 innings caught). Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 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 29 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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