# innings

/ˈɪnɪŋz/ (US) · /ɪnnˈɪŋz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/innings
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. cricket/sport

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a period in a game of cricket during which a team or a player bats.

For teachers: the division of a cricket match during which one side or an individual player takes a turn to bat. Usually takes a singular verb despite the 's' ending.

- The opening batsman played a brilliant innings and scored over a hundred runs.
- After a shaky start, the captain anchored the innings, allowing the middle order to play more expansively as the pitch dried out.

Usage: In British English, 'innings' is the singular form; 'inning' is the American equivalent used in baseball.

### 2. period of power

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Formal

a period of time when a person or group is in charge or has control.

For teachers: a period of time during which a person, party, or organisation is in power or has the opportunity to achieve something.

- The prime minister had a long innings, leading the country for over a decade.
- The outgoing CEO had a successful innings, overseeing a period of unprecedented growth and technological transition for the firm.

### 3. a person's life

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Humorous

a person's life, especially when they have lived for a long time.

For teachers: a metaphorical reference to a person's lifespan, typically used when someone dies at an advanced age.

- Grandfather was ninety-five when he died, so he certainly had a good innings.
- While the family was saddened by his passing, they took comfort in the fact that he had enjoyed a remarkably long and healthy innings.

Teaching tip: This is often used as a lighthearted or euphemistic way to talk about death when the person was very old.

## Examples

- The player had a great innings before losing his wicket.
- After forty years at the same company, the CEO decided it was time to end his long innings and retire.
- The elderly statesman finally passed away at ninety-five, having enjoyed a remarkably long and productive innings in the public eye.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.