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
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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 That won’t dissuade Williams, according to Virginia Tech play-by-play announcer Bill Roth. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 3 Apr. 2025 Dutchie Caray — the widow of Cubs TV play-by-play announcer Harry Caray — led the seventh-inning stretch during Opening Day at Wrigley Field. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 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 13 Apr. 2025.

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