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
Oshie will call games as an analyst alongside play-by-play announcers Brendan Burke and Chris Vosters.
—
Brad Elliott Schlossman, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
But The Athletic spoke with many of the people who were involved in the Hail Mary last season, some who watched in disbelief on the sideline and the legendary play-by-play man who called it for CBS.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adam Amin will be in the booth calling play-by-play, with Panthers legend Greg Olsen as the analyst and Pam Oliver on the sideline.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
Sanchez’s usual play-by-play partner, Adam Amin, will be working, NBC Sports reports.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 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.
Brad Elliott Schlossman, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
But The Athletic spoke with many of the people who were involved in the Hail Mary last season, some who watched in disbelief on the sideline and the legendary play-by-play man who called it for CBS.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adam Amin will be in the booth calling play-by-play, with Panthers legend Greg Olsen as the analyst and Pam Oliver on the sideline.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
Sanchez’s usual play-by-play partner, Adam Amin, will be working, NBC Sports reports.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share