inning

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Back-formation from innings, mistaken to be plural of the time period, not the entries of the batters/batsmen.

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪnɪŋ

[edit] Noun

inning (plural: innings)

1. (baseball) A period of play in which members of a visiting baseball team attempt to hit a baseball pitched by the opposing home team until three players are called out, followed by a similar attempt by members of the home baseball team against the visiting team's pitching. There are nine or more innings in a regulation baseball game.

   It is a baseball tradition to sing "Take Me Out To the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch.

2. (softball) A similar period of play.

   We batted around in our half of the inning.

3. A chance or opportunity to perform some deed or act.

   We are in just the second inning of our quest to enter this new market.