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

Roupp reflected on the tough outing after the game, though his postgame comments didn’t quite carry the same entertainment value as the announcer booth’s ice cream play-by-play. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026

Boston also struggled with its perimeter shooting (eight made 3-pointers on a season-low-tying 28 attempts) but manhandled the Raptors inside, setting a new franchise record for points in the paint (76) in the play-by-play era. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026

Oilers play-by-play man Jack Michaels made the revelation as Sportsnet came back on air for the start of the third period. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026

Dutchie Caray — the widow of Cubs TV play-by-play announcer Harry Caray — led the seventh-inning stretch during opening day at Wrigley Field. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for play-by-play

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