instant replay
Americannoun
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British, action replay. Television.
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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.
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a segment recorded and immediately rebroadcast.
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Informal. the repetition, review, or reenactment of something immediately or soon after its initial occurrence.
noun
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.
If you’re an NFL or NBA fan and you’re worried the game isn’t going to be interrupted by a maddening, extended instant replay review, don’t worry: The World Cup has your ire covered.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026
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
Then came the instant replay, during which they assessed whether Common had indeed protected the talk-show host.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 5, 2025
Even with instant replay, plenty of calls are missed.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 11, 2023
The official pulled out a tablet to watch an instant replay of the incident.
From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2023
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
