Inning: meaning, definitions and examples

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inning

 

[ ˈɪnɪŋ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

sports term

An inning is a division of a game in baseball or softball where each team has a turn to bat. The inning continues until three outs are recorded against the batting team. In Major League Baseball, there are nine innings in a regulation game, whereas in some other leagues or levels, there might be fewer. Innings are fundamental, defining how play is structured and the pace at which a game progresses.

Synonyms

frame, period, segment

Examples of usage

  • The home team scored five runs in the third inning.
  • She struck out two batters in the final inning.
  • The game went into extra innings after a tie.

Translations

Translations of the word "inning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entrada

🇮🇳 इनिंग

🇩🇪 Inning

🇮🇩 inning

🇺🇦 інінг

🇵🇱 inning

🇯🇵 イニング

🇫🇷 manche

🇪🇸 entrada

🇹🇷 inning

🇰🇷 이닝

🇸🇦 جولة

🇨🇿 inning

🇸🇰 inning

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 inning

🇮🇸 inning

🇰🇿 иннинг

🇬🇪 ინინგი

🇦🇿 inning

🇲🇽 entrada

Word origin

The term 'inning' originates from the early 16th century, derived from the Middle English word 'innyng,' which means 'a beginning' or 'a coming in.' Its roots can be traced further back to the Old English 'innian,' meaning 'to enclose' or 'to take possession.' In the context of baseball, the word reflects the structure of gameplay, indicating the phases or segments where teams alternate between offense and defense. The concept has evolved alongside the sport, exemplifying the organized nature of baseball as it developed in the United States in the 19th century, marking a distinct cultural identity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,462, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.