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

The franchise announced its new team for Altitude Sports broadcasts, with Noah Reed joining the lineup as the play-by-play announcer and NBA veteran Jason Richardson joining the studio team to provide analysis. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

In the moment, the aspiring play-by-play man was lost for words. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

The same support pours in from Papa’s vast Bay Area cohorts, from every corner of media to every level of the pro teams, especially those around the 49ers, who have called him their play-by-play man since 2019. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Ari Wolfe will do the play-by-play beside former Chiefs quarterback and CBS analyst Trent Green. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 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