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
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Banchero and Wagner combined for 44 points in the first half, marking the first time during the play-by-play era (since 1996-97) that two players scored 20-plus in the opening half in franchise history. Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2025 As the ball tracked toward the hole, play-by-play and color announcers Shane Bacon and Doug Smith coaxed it into the hole. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025 In part because of Dell Curry on the mic breaking down the action, jockeying between proud dad and TV analyst from his perch alongside play-by-play man Eric Collins up in Section 105. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2025 The games will be called by Wayne Randazzo (play-by-play), Dontrelle Willis (analyst) and Heidi Watney (sideline) and Alex Faust (play-by-play), Ryan Spilborghs (analyst) and Tricia Whitaker (sideline). Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 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 23 Mar. 2025.

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