play-by-play

adjective

ˈplā-ˌbī-ˌplā How to pronounce play-by-play (audio)
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
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.
The only difference was every player wearing No. 40 in warm ups to honor retiring broadcaster Sam Rosen, who was calling the final game of his 40th season as Rangers’ play-by-play man. Peter Baugh, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2025 The North Carolina native went on to give fans the play-by-play of his nerves while getting ready to record his verse on the spot. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 8 Apr. 2025 Roxy Bernstein has the play-by-play, and Cassie Campbell is the color analyst. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025 On Wednesday, after completing the first 6-0 road trip in franchise history, Boston returned to TD Garden and surrendered its worst defensive performance since the play-by-play era began in the 1996-97 season. Jay King, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Play-by-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play-by-play. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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