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instant replay

American  
[in-stuhnt ree-pley] / ˈɪn stənt ˈriˌpleɪ /

noun

  1. British, action replayTelevision.

    1. the recording and immediate rebroadcasting of a segment of a live television broadcast, especially of a sports event.

      an instant replay of the touchdown pass.

    2. a segment recorded and immediately rebroadcast.

  2. Informal. the repetition, review, or reenactment of something immediately or soon after its initial occurrence.


instant replay British  

noun

  1. another name for action replay

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of instant replay

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In the second half, Mostafa Zico made it 2-0 to Egypt, moments after the Pharaohs had a goal disallowed by instant replay for a foul that occurred at the other end of the pitch.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 7, 2026

There are advantages to not being there: At home, you have instant replay, closeups, announcers providing a stream of information, or Mr. Tucci sparing you the plane flight and calories.

From The Wall Street Journal May 7, 2026

The call was overturned by instant replay, and Hudson retired the next two batters to keep the deficit at one.

From Los Angeles Times Sep. 7, 2024

The official pulled out a tablet to watch an instant replay of the incident.

From BBC Aug. 29, 2023

The debate persists today, even as instant replay becomes increasingly normalized.

From Washington Times May 18, 2023

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