earned run

noun

: a run in baseball that scores without benefit of an error before the fielding team has had a chance to make the third putout of the inning

Examples of earned run in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To be fair, the ace did have three good starts last month, going 3-0 in the middle of the month with just a total of five earned runs in those three games. Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The veteran Red Sox starter, who began his career with the then-Oakland A’s from 2013-16, yielded four earned runs on seven hits, walked two. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 31 July 2026 Landen Roupp entered play having allowed just three earned runs over his last three starts but couldn’t find the strike zone against Milwaukee, allowing four runs over 3 2/3 innings with three walks. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 July 2026 The loss marked the fifth straight against a left-handed opener for Pittsburgh, while Diamondbacks starters gave up zero earned runs in 20 2/3 innings pitched this series. ABC News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for earned run

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of earned run was in 1871

Cite this Entry

“Earned run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earned%20run. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

earned run

noun
: a run in baseball that scores without benefit of an error
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