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

Plus, its rugged IPX7 waterproof casing easily withstands rain, spills, and outdoor grime, while the 5,200mAh battery delivers a full 24 hours of non-stop playback. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026

The device’s lab figures include up to 40 hours of video playback, 24 hours of navigation, and 21 hours of gaming. — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026

Verb

Stukes should play back deep alongside Chinn to start the year. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

The Magic’s 2026-27 schedule has its share of challenges, including 14 times when the team must play back-to-back games. — Kathy Laughlin, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for playback

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

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)