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

Joe Buck, a leading play-by-play voice and pillar of ESPN‘s NFL football coverage, is extending his contract. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026

Joe Davis succeeded Buck as Fox’s play-by-play voice for the World Series. — Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

As his postgame interview ended, Alonso embraced longtime Mets radio play-by-play man Howie Rose, who is retiring at the end of the season. — ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026

Read on for a full play-by-play recap of the 78th annual Emmy Awards, which aired live on NBC and Peacock. — Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for play-by-play

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway