play-by-play

adjective

ˈplā-ˌbī-ˌplā How to pronounce play-by-play (audio)
ˌplā-ˌbī-ˈplā
Synonyms of play-by-playnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not everyone can excel as both a studio host and a play-by-play announcer. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Austrian play-by-play announcer Robert Seeger told viewers to turn off their televisions. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 The Baseball Reference play-by-play database is mostly complete back to 1910. — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Fast-forward by three decades and now, when the late Cubs announcer Harry Caray suffered a stroke before the 1987 season, Dreesen was one of many celebrities asked to call play-by-play in his place. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for play-by-play

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of play-by-play was in 1927

Rhymes for play-by-play

See All Rhymes for play-by-play

Browse Nearby Words

play by ear
play-by-play
play catch-up
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Play-by-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play-by-play. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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