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
Jalen Brunson scored 33 points, including a 3-pointer that capped the Knicks' opening 23-point run — the largest in the NBA since detailed play-by-play for all four quarters began in 1997 — and New York beat the Utah Jazz 146-112 on Friday night.
—
CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025
Islanders play-by-play announcer Brendan Burke thought St-Laurent was pointing for a good goal.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 Dec. 2025
The longtime play-by-play ace will turn 74 in 2026 and has battled numerous health issues over the years.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Thierry Darlan caught the ball on the left wing, took two dribbles and skyed for a rim-rattling dunk that sent the crowd, his teammates and the play-by-play announcer into a frenzy.
—Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 2 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.
CBS News, 6 Dec. 2025
Islanders play-by-play announcer Brendan Burke thought St-Laurent was pointing for a good goal.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 Dec. 2025
The longtime play-by-play ace will turn 74 in 2026 and has battled numerous health issues over the years.
—Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
Thierry Darlan caught the ball on the left wing, took two dribbles and skyed for a rim-rattling dunk that sent the crowd, his teammates and the play-by-play announcer into a frenzy.
—Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 2 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 9 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share