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 play-by-play indexes that move throughout the course of each game will provide hedging vehicles and new investment opportunities this upcoming season. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026

As of this season, the 74-year-old Krukow has been part of the Giants broadcast team alongside play-by-play announcer Duane Kuiper for 36 years on both radio and television. — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

When the Columbus Blue Jackets parted ways with longtime radio play-by-play voice Bob McElligott last week, the phone calls and text messages started coming fast and furious. — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Media news Over the next several weeks, the Marlins will honor retiring TV analyst Tommy Hutton, televise two games in Spanish and have their TV and radio play-by-play voices switch roles for a series. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 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