replay

1 of 2

verb

re·​play (ˌ)rē-ˈplā How to pronounce replay (audio)
replayed; replaying; replays
Synonyms of replaynext

transitive verb

: to play again or over

replay

2 of 2

noun

re·​play ˈrē-ˌplā How to pronounce replay (audio)
plural replays
1
a
: an act or instance of replaying
… the overbearing demands of the world's television schedules mean that when a game is tied it's no longer possible to take it to a replay.Pete Davies
b
: the playing of a video that was previously recorded or broadcast
Find all the scores, stats, live stream replays and complete area coverage here.The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA)
see also instant replay
2
: repetition, reenactment
don't want a replay of our old mistakes
… supported massive infusions of money to save the world economy from a replay of the Depression.David Von Drehle
Their play is a replay, in fantasy, of their own experiences and the feeling they evoke.Penelope Leach

Examples of replay in a Sentence

Verb The tied game will be replayed on Saturday. The game's highlights were replayed on the evening news. The footage has been played and replayed on television. Noun They scheduled the replay for Saturday. You could see the fumble on the replay.
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.
Verb
The game was later replayed from the beginning and Baltimore won. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026 And on cold nights in the winter of 1979-80, WGN-TV replayed the 23-22 game. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Noun
After examining replays, Vazquez was awarded his first career MLS goal instead of it being deemed an own-goal. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026 However, the replay control room is constantly monitored. Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for replay

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1635, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of replay was circa 1635

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Replay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replay. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster