play-by-play

adjective

ˈplā-ˌbī-ˌplā How to pronounce play-by-play (audio)
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
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.
Or that’s what play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler says on TV, and his pointed prophecy is proven out by the disastrous decisions Russ makes in the present. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2025 Chris Myers will handle play-by-play duties with Mark Schlereth as the analyst; Jennifer Hale will be the game’s sideline reporter. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2025 Joe Davis will handle the play-by-play narration in Ireland. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025 Horton will still be the team’s radio play-by-play voice when Grady is available to call the Timberwolves’ games or when Minnesota is exclusively on national television. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Play-by-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play-by-play. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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