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.
Austin Mock’s College Football Projection Model takes into account play-by-play level data, adjusts for opponents and uses recruiting and transfer portal data to formulate a power rating for every team. — Austin Mock, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Papa, whose health took him away from the KNBR radio booth for games last year, has maintained his desire to return to that play-by-play role when his health allows. — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 The Score’s programming includes Cubs and Bulls play-by-play, along with a full roster of sports talk hosts. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 That means no more Rich Eisen, who was miscast on play-by-play for those games. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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