ENGLISH
REFERENCE

innings

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɪnɪŋz// UK //ɪnnˈɪŋz// in·nings Humorous

n. a period of time during a game like cricket where one team or player gets to bat. In daily life, people use it to describe a long period of someone's life or career.

n. a specific period of play in a match, particularly in cricket or baseball, during which a side or individual is batting. Often used metaphorically to describe a person's lifespan or a significant duration of activity.


SIMPLE

The player had a great innings before losing his wicket.

CONTEXTUAL

After forty years at the same company, the CEO decided it was time to end his long innings and retire.

COMPLEX

The elderly statesman finally passed away at ninety-five, having enjoyed a remarkably long and productive innings in the public eye.

Synonyms
Origin

From the old verb inn (“to house corn”).

Usage

In British English, the word is singular despite the 's' ending; in American baseball, the singular form is 'inning'.

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