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
The United Football League, the spring pro league on ESPN and Fox, televises live audio and video of officials talking with coaches on the field and during the instant replay process, rather than having the play-by-play booth refer to a rules expert for their explanation.
—
Chris Vannini, New York Times, 18 June 2025
In the play-by-play era of the NBA, starting with the 1997 playoffs, teams with leads of 15 points or more in the finals were 80-9.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Thursday was the fifth time Indiana has overcome a 15+ point deficit in this postseason, which is the most since 1997 when the play-by-play era began.
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
His son, Todd, has called most of Jose Altuve’s career as TV play-by-play man for the Houston Astros.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 2 June 2025
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Chris Vannini, New York Times, 18 June 2025
In the play-by-play era of the NBA, starting with the 1997 playoffs, teams with leads of 15 points or more in the finals were 80-9.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Thursday was the fifth time Indiana has overcome a 15+ point deficit in this postseason, which is the most since 1997 when the play-by-play era began.
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
His son, Todd, has called most of Jose Altuve’s career as TV play-by-play man for the Houston Astros.
—Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 2 June 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 1 Jul. 2025.
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