play-by-play

adjective

ˈplā-ˌbī-ˌplā How to pronounce play-by-play (audio)
ˌplā-ˌbī-ˈplā
Synonyms of play-by-playnext
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
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But Dungy's silence on his own ballot led to New York Yankees play-by-play announcer and New York radio host Michael Kay ripping him. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026 Sportscasters Steve Levy and Taylor Rooks will be on hand for play-by-play and commentary. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 8 Feb. 2026 Each day has so many Olympic-like touches, like an opening ceremony introducing athletes, a mascot named (of course) Jumper, the national anthem sung live, music and play-by-play announcing. Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026 Tirico is just the 13th play-by-play announcer to call a national Super Bowl broadcast. Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play-by-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play-by-play. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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