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.
On Thursday, Al Michaels was back in the broadcast booth to deliver play-by-play of a non-conference tilt between the Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings. Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025 Joe Davis, the lead MLB play-by-play announcer for Fox Sports, NFL play-by-play announcer for Fox, and broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025 In addition to its broadcast network, Fox Sports will show the game in Spanish on Fox Deportes, with play-by-play announcer Adrian Garcia-Marquez, analyst and former MLB infielder Edgar Gonzalez, announcer/reporter Carlos Alvarez, reporter/analyst Jaime Motta and reporter Michelle Liendo. Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025 Besides Ian Eagle and Harlan, Amazon also will use Grady and Charlotte Hornets TV voice Eric Collins on play-by-play. Barry Jackson updated October 21, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2025.

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