by-play

or by·play

[ bahy-pley ]

/ ˈbaɪˌpleɪ /

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noun

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

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of by-play

First recorded in 1805–15

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use by-play in a sentence

A 'byplay' bearing the same name follows an elegy upon the death of an only son.
The History of Yiddish Literature in the Nineteenth Century|Leo Wiener
Husband and wife "took turns" from the single cup; there was gayety and byplay.
The Higher Court|Mary Stewart Daggett
Miss Gerald noticed this sentimental little byplay, but what Bob did was, of course, of no moment to her.
Nothing But the Truth|Frederic S. Isham
It was pardonable in him not to have suspected earlier that there was some byplay of talk to whose meaning he was not privy.
Find the Woman|Arthur Somers Roche

When this little byplay was over, they proceeded gravely to consider the matter before them.
The Bravo|J. Fenimore Cooper

British Dictionary definitions for by-play

by-play

noun

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

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

by-play

or by·play

Origin of by-play

Words related to by-play

How to use by-play in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for by-play