play-by-play

adjective

ˈplā-ˌbī-ˌplā How to pronounce play-by-play (audio)
ˌplā-ˌbī-ˈplā
Synonyms of play-by-playnext
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
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.
The Fan will launch without any live play-by-play of Los Angeles teams. Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk led off the extravaganza, and team play-by-play voice Brandon Gaudin was the master of ceremonies. Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026 Anyone can instantly look at play-by-play data for every MLB game going back to the 19th century. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026 Lisa Bylington and Mike Watts will also serve as play-by-play voices, while JayDee Dyer, Kayla Grey and Morgan Ragan will work the sidelines. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for play-by-play

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of play-by-play was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play-by-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play-by-play. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.

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