play-by-play
adjective
ˈplā-ˌbī-ˌplā 
ˌplā-ˌbī-ˈplā
1
: being or giving a running commentary on a sports event
a radio play-by-play announcer
2
: relating each event as it occurs
play-by-play
noun
Examples of play-by-play in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Here’s a play-by-play of my panty test.
—
Outside, 24 Feb. 2026
Like Dolphins radio play-by-play man Jimmy Cefalo years before, Burleson is one of a select group of former NFL players who expanded beyond analyst work and took on television roles both in news and studio hosting.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
As Andy Pages, just inserted in center field, ran over left fielder Kiké Hernández to make the catch, Dodgers play-by-play announcer Stephen Nelson summed up the high drama unfolding in front of him.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Sterling, 87, retired from being WFAN’s lead Yankees play-by-play man in 2024.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play-by-play
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.
Outside, 24 Feb. 2026
Like Dolphins radio play-by-play man Jimmy Cefalo years before, Burleson is one of a select group of former NFL players who expanded beyond analyst work and took on television roles both in news and studio hosting.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
As Andy Pages, just inserted in center field, ran over left fielder Kiké Hernández to make the catch, Dodgers play-by-play announcer Stephen Nelson summed up the high drama unfolding in front of him.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Sterling, 87, retired from being WFAN’s lead Yankees play-by-play man in 2024.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play-by-play
Cite this Entry
“Play-by-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play-by-play. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
