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.
Today, Noah is carving his own path in the sports journalism industry, landing his first role as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019. Nasha Smith, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024 This play-by-play information allowed the Proud Boys to be one step ahead of law enforcement. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 When their show shifted to the coveted afternoon drive slot in March of 2005, La Greca wondered if the move would affect the show’s staying power, considering the new hours would conflict more with Kay’s play-by-play duties for the YES Network. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Dec. 2024 In the second game, Ian Eagle’s son, Noah, of NBC Sports will handle play-by-play, joined in the booth by Fox Sports’ Kirk Olsen. Michelle Bruton, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 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

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 3 Jan. 2025.

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