playback

1 of 2

noun

play·​back ˈplā-ˌbak How to pronounce playback (audio)
: an act or instance of reproducing recorded sound or pictures often immediately after recording

play back

2 of 2

verb

played back; playing back; plays back

transitive verb

: to perform a playback of (a usually recently recorded disc or tape)

Examples of playback in a Sentence

Noun The band listened to a playback of their first recording.
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.
Noun
Vehicles, for instance, routinely connect to smartphones via Bluetooth or USB for navigation, hands-free calling, and media playback. Lars Daniel, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 In addition to the 5100 mAh battery that offers up to 13 hours of video playback, this tablet uses Google Lens to help users to translate text to their native language. Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
Photograph: Transparent Audiophiles should be plenty happy with the specs, as the speaker is able to play back high-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz, with support for AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect, as well as Bluetooth 5.2. Verity Burns, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024 On his first play back after a cramp, senior quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton connects with Mykel Calixte on a 28-yard pass for a touchdown — their second of the game. Staff Reports, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for playback 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of playback was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near playback

Cite this Entry

“Playback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playback. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

playback

1 of 2 noun
play·​back ˈplā-ˌbak How to pronounce playback (audio)
: the action of reproducing recorded sound or pictures often immediately after recording

play back

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)plā-ˈbak
: to perform a playback of (a disc or tape)

More from Merriam-Webster on playback

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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