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

Horton, a former KTLA broadcaster who has worked as an anchor, reporter, host, play-by-play announcer and voice actor, reached out to the team about the opportunity. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Continuing its strategy from the regular season, NBC has combined one local analyst from each side with its own play-by-play voice for this week’s four Wild-Card series. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Sep. 2026

During the media call, play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti, analysts Rizzo and Joey Votto, and senior producer Matt Borzello talked about their approach. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

The crew calling the Astros/White Sox series is led by play-by-play man Tom McCarthy, who calls Philadelphia Phillies games. — Greg Rajan, Houston Chronicle, 28 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