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
Hyland, 50, will oversee production of the Big Game for the first time in his career Sunday night, when sportscaster Mike Tirico makes his debut calling play-by-play as well.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
Sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks will be on hand for play-by-play and commentary.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026
For an only child, raised by a single mom in Queens, growing up dreaming of being the next Marv Albert, Tirico is a sportscaster’s sportscaster, with a rare dual ability to lead a studio and call play-by-play at the highest level.
—Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Jason Knapp and Jim Kozimor each return to handle play-by-play duties, along with Sloane Martin.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 28 Jan. 2026
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.
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Feb. 2026
Sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks will be on hand for play-by-play and commentary.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026
For an only child, raised by a single mom in Queens, growing up dreaming of being the next Marv Albert, Tirico is a sportscaster’s sportscaster, with a rare dual ability to lead a studio and call play-by-play at the highest level.
—Andrew Marchand, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026
Jason Knapp and Jim Kozimor each return to handle play-by-play duties, along with Sloane Martin.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 28 Jan. 2026
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 10 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
