playback

1 of 2

noun

play·​back ˈplā-ˌbak 

: an act or instance of reproducing recorded sound or pictures often immediately after recording

play back

2 of 2

verb

played back; playing back; plays back

transitive verb

: to perform a playback of (a usually recently recorded disc or tape)

Examples of playback in a Sentence

Noun

The band listened to a playback of their first recording.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Co-created with professional mastering engineers, these headphones utilize a specialized carbon fiber dome driver to produce unparalleled sound clarity, while a quick three-minute charge provides a full three hours of playback for those on the move. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 28 Mar. 2026

The playback followed a different tracklist than the one West first posted to socials; see that below, via @yeunrlsd. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026

Verb

Former Celtics center Al Horford was scheduled to play back at TD Garden for the first time this week, but an injury will prevent him from doing so. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

The facility would be on the same spot where the Sacramento Capitals pro tennis team played back in the 1990s and 2000s and would also require demolition of the now-vacant Macy's building. —James Taylor, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for playback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

playback

1 of 2 noun

play·​back ˈplā-ˌbak 

: the action of reproducing recorded sound or pictures often immediately after recording

play back

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)plā-ˈbak

: to perform a playback of (a disc or tape)