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.
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

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 20 Oct. 2025.

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