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

There was also some MLB play-by-play, an FS-1 interview show (Myers did the final public interview with legendary UCLA coach John Wooden) and boxing play-by-play. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026

So picking up Pete, rounding the bases, and then going back in the dugout and everything that unfolds while that’s happening is just as important as the play-by-play of that ball going over the fence. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Ravens’ new radio play-by-play broadcaster Kyle Youmans sat down with The Baltimore Sun’s Sam Cohn and Josh Tolentino on today’s episode for an interview about taking on the job, his gameday routines and expectations for the Ravens in 2026. — Matt Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 2026

Napear, who hosted an afternoon radio show in addition to his role as a play-by-play announcer on Sacramento Kings television broadcasts, sent the tweet in response to a question from former Kings star DeMarcus Cousins. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for play-by-play

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway