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
Lakers play-by-play broadcaster and radio sports show host John Ireland is the master of ceremonies.
—
Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 June 2025
Breen was the play-by-play announcer, Burke was the sideline reporter and Jefferson played for the Cavs.
—Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 21 June 2025
The United Football League, the spring pro league on ESPN and Fox, televises live audio and video of officials talking with coaches on the field and during the instant replay process, rather than having the play-by-play booth refer to a rules expert for their explanation.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 18 June 2025
In the play-by-play era of the NBA, starting with the 1997 playoffs, teams with leads of 15 points or more in the finals were 80-9.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for play-by-play
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Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 June 2025
Breen was the play-by-play announcer, Burke was the sideline reporter and Jefferson played for the Cavs.
—Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 21 June 2025
The United Football League, the spring pro league on ESPN and Fox, televises live audio and video of officials talking with coaches on the field and during the instant replay process, rather than having the play-by-play booth refer to a rules expert for their explanation.
—Chris Vannini, New York Times, 18 June 2025
In the play-by-play era of the NBA, starting with the 1997 playoffs, teams with leads of 15 points or more in the finals were 80-9.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 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 6 Jul. 2025.
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