innings
UK[ˈɪnɪŋz]US[ˈɪnɪŋz]
n
(in cricket) the period during which a team or individual bats
n
(in baseball) a division of a game during which each team has a turn at bat
n
(figurative) a period during which a person or group is active or has a turn to do something
Morpheme Breakdown
in
ning
s
in
in, into, within
ning
s
Etymology
The word 'innings' originates from the Old English verb 'innian', meaning "to get in, put in, or lodge," derived from the preposition 'in'. The '-ing' suffix was added to form a verbal noun, 'inning', denoting the action of putting in or taking one's turn. In early cricket, this term was used for the action of putting the team in to bat. The plural form 'innings' became standard, as the concept inherently involves multiple turns or periods of play. Over time, its use expanded from cricket to baseball and, figuratively, to any period of opportunity or activity.
Analysis
Structure: in + ning + s
- in: Old English, a preposition/adverb meaning "in, into, within". Here, it functions as a locative prefix indicating the period of being "in" play.
- ning: Old English, a suffix forming verbal nouns (gerunds) from verbs, indicating an action or process.
- s: Old English, a suffix marking the plural form.
Examples
The opening batsman scored a century in his first innings of the match.
The game went into extra innings after the score was tied at the end of the ninth.
After years of political obscurity, the party finally had its innings and implemented key reforms.