playback

American  

[pley-bak] / ˈpleɪˌbæk /

noun

1. the act of reproducing a sound or video recording, especially in order to check a recording that is newly made.

2. (in a recording device) the apparatus used in producing playbacks.

3. the recording so played, especially the first time it is heard or viewed after being recorded.

4. the response to a suggestion, act, product, venture, etc.; feedback.

   The playback on the speech has been very favorable.

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playback British  

/ ˈpleɪˌbæk /

noun

1. the act or process of reproducing a recording, esp on magnetic tape

2. the part of a tape recorder serving to reproduce or used for reproducing recorded material

3. (modifier) of or relating to the reproduction of signals from a recording

   the playback head of a tape recorder

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verb

1. to reproduce (recorded material) on (a magnetic tape) by means of a tape recorder

Etymology

Origin of playback

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase play back

Example Sentences

Singer-actor Farhan Akhtar said it was "impossible to talk about playback singing without mentioning Asha Bhosle", calling her voice, joy and energy "irreplaceable".

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

No one is identified by anything but first names, including Russell’s mother, Karen, who is the only one who can’t bear to hear the playback.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Ping times to Europe and Australia often exceeded 300 to 500 milliseconds, which could lead to buffering or lag during high-bandwidth playback.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

They would sing live in addition to lip-syncing to playback and Fastvold amassed a huge variety of live tracks — vocals, breaths and other bodily sounds — for her final mix.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

Ever since the Kerkopes dwarf twins had short-circuited the walls, the real-time video feed from Camp Half-Blood often fuzzed out, changing into playback of extreme dwarf close-ups - red whiskers, nostrils and bad dental work.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan