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

Even lefty ace Mickey Lolich got into the act, with a 1.59 ERA in 17 innings over seven relief appearances. —Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 18 Aug. 2025

He’s continued that success in Chicago, going 11-6 with a 2.46 ERA over 142 2/3 innings. —Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Miley gave up a run on a homer in 1 2/3 innings Friday, with two strikeouts and two walks, but reported soreness Saturday. —C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025

With his full arsenal of pitches available, Tobias tore through opposing lineups in June, striking out 20 and walking only one in 24 1/3 innings while posting a 2.96 ERA. —Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for inning

• binning
• dinning
• ginning
• grinning
• pinning
• sinning
• skinning
• spinning
• thinning
• tinning
• twinning
• winning

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