playback

1 of 2

noun

play·​back ˈplā-ˌbak 

: an act or instance of reproducing recorded sound or pictures often immediately after recording

play back

2 of 2

verb

played back; playing back; plays back

transitive verb

: to perform a playback of (a usually recently recorded disc or tape)

Examples of playback in a Sentence

Noun

The band listened to a playback of their first recording.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But for those who collect both records and CDs, that means having two playback devices. — Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

In addition to Wi-Fi, the Era 100 supports Bluetooth audio and line-in playback via an optional adapter. — Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 24 June 2026

Verb

But what’s especially fitting is that Adell brought that Canseco play back to life in a World Cup year. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Music played back by speakers included country selections but also mainstream pop tunes. — Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for playback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

Kids Definition

playback

1 of 2 noun

play·​back ˈplā-ˌbak 

: the action of reproducing recorded sound or pictures often immediately after recording

play back

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)plā-ˈbak

: to perform a playback of (a disc or tape)