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
Joe Buck will be on the call for play-by-play with analysis from Troy Aikman and sideline reporting from Lisa Salters.
—
Mike Darnay, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025
Several of the leagues have responded to recent scandals by working with sportsbooks to cap wager amounts on prop bets, which are wagers offered on play-by-play outcomes or individual player performance.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2025
The Spurs were taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals when Van Gundy and play-by-play man Michael Grady spoke about Wembanyama.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025
Islanders play-by-play announcer Brendan Burke thought St-Laurent was pointing for a good goal.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play-by-play
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Mike Darnay, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025
Several of the leagues have responded to recent scandals by working with sportsbooks to cap wager amounts on prop bets, which are wagers offered on play-by-play outcomes or individual player performance.
—Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 15 Dec. 2025
The Spurs were taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals when Van Gundy and play-by-play man Michael Grady spoke about Wembanyama.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 Dec. 2025
Islanders play-by-play announcer Brendan Burke thought St-Laurent was pointing for a good goal.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 Dec. 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 21 Dec. 2025.
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