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
From 1947 through ’76, NBC would use either the play-by-play announcers or analysts for the Fall Classic.
—
Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Enter Matt Vasgersian, a veteran play-by-play guy for the Los Angeles Angels and a studio host for MLB Network and Fox Sports.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
The network’s play-by-play broadcasters are Brian Anderson and Alex Faust.
—Takashi Williams, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Alongside Hunter Pence, Sabathia will serve as a co-analyst while Matt Vasgersian handles play-by-play.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play-by-play
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Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Enter Matt Vasgersian, a veteran play-by-play guy for the Los Angeles Angels and a studio host for MLB Network and Fox Sports.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 Mar. 2026
The network’s play-by-play broadcasters are Brian Anderson and Alex Faust.
—Takashi Williams, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Alongside Hunter Pence, Sabathia will serve as a co-analyst while Matt Vasgersian handles play-by-play.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2026.
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