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

Just yesterday, Hicks was announced as the game’s play-by-play voice. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2026

Hicks spent the majority of his career as a play-by-play television commentator for NBC Sports, known particularly for calling Notre Dame football, as well as golf and the Summer and Winter Olympics. — ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026

The current fall season was his seventh as the play-by-play voice of Notre Dame football. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2026

In addition to his golf and Olympics duties, Hicks called play-by-play for Notre Dame football and served as a sideline reporter for NBC’s NBA coverage. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 Nov. 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