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
How can the sideline reporter, the color commentator or the play-by-play announcer make sure everyone is interested?
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Jan. 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
The Hornets had one other lead of 50 or more points in the NBA's play-by-play era, which goes back to 1996.
—CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Kay Adams will handle pre-game and halftime hosting duties, while former NFL player Andrew Hawkins is on board as a play-by-play announcer.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play-by-play
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Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 Jan. 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
The Hornets had one other lead of 50 or more points in the NBA's play-by-play era, which goes back to 1996.
—CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Kay Adams will handle pre-game and halftime hosting duties, while former NFL player Andrew Hawkins is on board as a play-by-play announcer.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 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 30 Jan. 2026.
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