by-play

American  

[bahy-play] / ˈbaɪˌpleɪ /

Or byplay

noun

1. an action or speech carried on to the side while the main action proceeds, especially on the stage.

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by-play British  

noun

1. secondary action or talking carried on apart while the main action proceeds, esp in a play

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Etymology

Origin of by-play

First recorded in 1805–15

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

by-play

There's much to enjoy here besides the brain-mangling howdunit element: the thrill of the chase; but also the snappy by-play between Gurney and his long-suffering wife, Madeleine.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 20, 2010

His tall sleek figure, his shiny black hair, his resounding rhetoric, his theatrical by-play with black-corded glasses have caused many an ignorant observer to mistake him for a onetime Shakespearean actor.

From Time Magazine Archive

All this feverish by-play ends in a curious reconciliation scene.

From Time Magazine Archive

All of which was mere by-play to fill an idle hour, because the Tycoons all declined their invitations, except Henry Ford, who toyed with the idea as a public possibility longer than the rest.

From Time Magazine Archive

This little by-play took place when all the lamps of the salon were fully lighted.

From Mysterious Psychic Forces An Account of the Author's Investigations in Psychical Research, Together with Those of Other European Savants by Camille Flammarion

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