seventh-inning stretch

American  

[sev-uhnth-in-ing, -in-] / ˈsɛv ənθˌɪn ɪŋ, -ˈɪn- /

noun

1. 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.

2. any point or period of pause, rest, reconsideration, or the like.

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Etymology

Origin of seventh-inning stretch

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Optimism is good for business, but what if history could guarantee suddenly nervous AI bulls that we haven’t even reached the seventh-inning stretch?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

And to be clear, a number of folks at the stadium could be heard singing along as they would during any seventh-inning stretch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2025

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

During the seventh-inning stretch, the scoreboard had another treat for Baltimore fans - the sight of Orioles great Cal Ripken in attendance.

From Washington 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