play-by-play
adjective
ˈplā-ˌbī-ˌplā 
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
Bridget Howard is a new sideline reporter, and Eric Hosmer is one of the analysts who will be working with play-by-play broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre.
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Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Toronto’s 31-0 run between the end of the first quarter and start of the second quarter marked the longest run in NBA history, since play-by-play started being tracked in 1996-97.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
During spring training, the Rockies auditioned Zach Goodman (announcer for the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles and son of Drew Goodman, the Rockies’ longtime TV play-by-play man), Albuquerque Isotopes announcer Josh Suchon, and Hartford Yard Goats announcer Jeff Dooley.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Fortunately, Michael Kay, the Yankees’ play-by-play man for the YES Network, has an idea.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play-by-play
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Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
Toronto’s 31-0 run between the end of the first quarter and start of the second quarter marked the longest run in NBA history, since play-by-play started being tracked in 1996-97.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
During spring training, the Rockies auditioned Zach Goodman (announcer for the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles and son of Drew Goodman, the Rockies’ longtime TV play-by-play man), Albuquerque Isotopes announcer Josh Suchon, and Hartford Yard Goats announcer Jeff Dooley.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 26 Mar. 2026
Fortunately, Michael Kay, the Yankees’ play-by-play man for the YES Network, has an idea.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for play-by-play
Cite this Entry
“Play-by-play.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play-by-play. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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