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 Jim Donovan, the beloved radio play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Browns and a TV sports fixture for more than four decades, died Saturday. CBS News, 26 Oct. 2024 Dozens of attendees supported the various individuals, including longtime Detroit Pistons play-by-play commentator George Blaha. Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 23 Oct. 2024 Jarrín, the team’s lead play-by-play announcer, was thrust into the spotlight himself, serving as an interpreter for Valenzuela during news conferences before and after games. Ed Guzman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 Sure, Kevin Burkhardt, the Fox play-by-play announcer who works with Brady, could have objected to the call. Sean Gregory, TIME, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for play-by-play 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'play-by-play.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near 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 Nov. 2024.

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