replayed; replaying; replays

transitive verb

: to play again or over
plural replays
1
a
: an act or instance of replaying
… the overbearing demands of the world's television schedules mean that when a game is tied it's no longer possible to take it to a replay. Pete Davies
b
: the playing of a video that was previously recorded or broadcast
Find all the scores, stats, live stream replays and complete area coverage here. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA)
see also instant replay
2
: repetition, reenactment
don't want a replay of our old mistakes
… supported massive infusions of money to save the world economy from a replay of the Depression. David Von Drehle
Their play is a replay, in fantasy, of their own experiences and the feeling they evoke. Penelope Leach

Examples of replay in a Sentence

Verb The tied game will be replayed on Saturday. The game's highlights were replayed on the evening news. The footage has been played and replayed on television. Noun They scheduled the replay for Saturday. You could see the fumble on the replay.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
They should be replayed whenever an Iranian official is interviewed by a Western journalist denying complicity in assassination plots. Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2025 Stella McCartney set her show this season in an office block and created an atmosphere that included performances by actors replaying offices scenes, as well as a pole dancer bringing a scene of fun to the collection. Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
Those unable to catch the show live can watch an on-demand replay via Peacock starting Thursday. Matthew Leimkuehler, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 With each replay, a growing number of musicians, athletes, and other big West Coast names — including YG, Steve Lacy, Russell Westbrook, Black Hippy, and Mustard — joined him onstage, in what looked like an Avengers ensemble of Drake haters. Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for replay

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1635, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of replay was circa 1635

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Cite this Entry

“Replay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/replay. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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