instant replay
Americannoun
-
British, action replay. Television.
-
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.
-
a segment recorded and immediately rebroadcast.
-
-
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
Fans around the globe, regardless of rooting interest, have come together to decry a common enemy: soccer’s instant replay.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
The official pulled out a tablet to watch an instant replay of the incident.
From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2023
But Trejo nicked the bag with a toe, got up and fired to first for a double play that was upheld after an instant replay.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2023
The debate persists today, even as instant replay becomes increasingly normalized.
From Washington Times ● May 18, 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.
