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
During the live broadcast, FOX Sports analyst Jonathan Vilma even predicted the bad luck that would unfold after Dart's necklace broke when speaking to his fellow play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert.
—
Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call for play-by-play and color commentary, with sideline reporting done by Melissa Stark.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
Several of the leagues have responded to recent scandals by working with sportsbooks to cap wager amounts on prop bets, which are wagers offered on play-by-play outcomes or individual player performance.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2025
The Spurs were taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals when Van Gundy and play-by-play man Michael Grady spoke about Wembanyama.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025
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.
Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call for play-by-play and color commentary, with sideline reporting done by Melissa Stark.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 21 Dec. 2025
Several of the leagues have responded to recent scandals by working with sportsbooks to cap wager amounts on prop bets, which are wagers offered on play-by-play outcomes or individual player performance.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2025
The Spurs were taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals when Van Gundy and play-by-play man Michael Grady spoke about Wembanyama.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025
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 30 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share