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.
Sánchez had thrown just 62 pitches through five innings. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025 His senior year was even more dominant: 105 strikeouts in just over 53 innings, only seven walks, and a 0.39 ERA. Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 13 July 2025 Lukes is a ‘winning ball player’ In the fifth inning of Friday’s game, Lukes came up in a big spot after striking out against A’s starter Luis Severino to lead off the frame. Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025 The Royals head into the All-Star break on a positive note thanks to a stellar pitching performance from rookie Noah Cameron and some ninth inning heroics. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 13 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 18 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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