Synonyms

play-by-play

American

[pley-bahy-pley] / ˈpleɪ baɪˈpleɪ /

adjective

pertaining to or being a detailed account of each incident or act of an event, as in sports.

a play-by-play broadcast of a baseball game.

noun

a detailed and sequential description of a sports contest or other event, as by a sportscaster, usually as it is taking place.

Usage

What does play-by-play mean? A play-by-play is a running commentary on or a detailed summary of an event, used especially in sports.

Etymology

Origin of play-by-play

First recorded in 1925–30

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.

Prior to that, the Southern California native hosted studio shows for the MLB and NHL Networks and did play-by-play work for both leagues.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

As Andy Pages, just inserted into the game in center field, ran over left fielder Kiké Hernández to make the catch, Dodgers play-by-play announcer Stephen Nelson summed up the high drama unfolding in front him.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Dynamic camerawork and play-by-play commentary amplified the tension between contestants.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Mike Tirico will be NBC’s play-by-play announcer for Super Bowl LX on Sunday in addition to hosting the network’s Milan-Cortina Olympics coverage from Levi’s Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

“Thank you very much for the play-by-play, Isaiah. Now if you would please get in line.”

From "George" by Alex Gino

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023