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.
Here is the play-by-play of the dating timeline between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, including Swift’s album announcement coming full circle on New Heights. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2025 The Pirates sued a radio station that used paid observers to watch games from the rooftop of a building adjacent to Forbes Field and announce the play-by-play of Pirates home games. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2025 Ari Wolfe is back for his sixth season as the play-by-play broadcaster for Chiefs preseason games, and he’ll be joined in the booth by former KC quarterback Trent Green. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2025 The 49ers have made no announcement regarding play-by-play on the radio for the regular season. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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