seventh-inning stretch
Americannoun
-
Baseball. a point in the game when spectators rise from their seats to relax by stretching their legs, usually after six and one-half innings.
-
any point or period of pause, rest, reconsideration, or the like.
Etymology
Origin of seventh-inning stretch
First recorded in 1955–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ritual, as mentioned, which in baseball includes the national anthem, first pitch, seventh-inning stretch, etc.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
After Ohtani was taken out, Andres Gimenez, Ty France, Bo Bichette and Addison Barger all drove in runs to give the Blue Jays breathing space at 6-1 before the seventh-inning stretch.
From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025
Youngsters are pulled from the crowd to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2024
During the seventh-inning stretch, the scoreboard had another treat for Baltimore fans — the sight of Orioles great Cal Ripken in attendance.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 28, 2023
The stands was full and we sold the last of the lemonade at the seventh-inning stretch.
From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
