play-by-play

[pley-bahy-pley]

adjective

1. 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of play-by-play¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Announcer Howard Cosell, known for his love of boxing and of himself, alternately tried to intervene and calm things down while doing a sort of play-by-play.

From Los Angeles Times

Bob Costas sits down with Tom Verducci to talk through his decision to retire from play-by-play announcing and reflect on his career.

From Los Angeles Times

“I know from the outside, people may look and say, the talent’s not changing, this imposing schedule isn’t changing, how can anyone expect different results?” said Paul Loeffler, Fresno State’s radio play-by-play announcer.

From Los Angeles Times

Papa, 62, began his career doing radio play-by-play for the Indiana Pacers in 1984 but launched a decades-long career in the Bay Area when hired by the Golden State Warriors in 1986.

From Los Angeles Times

Doncic also chatted with the Yankees’ broadcast team, and play-by-play announcer Michael Kay suggested Doncic do what any self-respecting New Yorker would in this situation: Make sure the Mavericks are aware of his physical transformation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• detail 
• explanation 
• history 
• narrative 
• report 
• story 
• tale 
• version 

When To Use

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.