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by-play

or by·play

[ bahy-pley ]

/ ˈbaɪˌpleɪ /

noun

an action or speech carried on to the side while the main action proceeds, especially on the stage.

Origin of by-play

First recorded in 1805–15

Words nearby by-play

by-form, by-line, by-name, by-numbers, by-path, by-play, by-plot, by-product, by-road, by-street, by-talk

Example sentences from the Web for by-play

None of this by-play was lost upon Laurence, but he showed no consciousness.

The Sign of the Spider |Bertram Mitford
Don Estevan was not unobservant of this by-play that was passing around him.

Wood Rangers |Mayne Reid
Her acting is said to have been characterised by great judgment, while her by-play was remarkably effective.

Queens of the French Stage |H. Noel Williams
To cover this by-play, I asked if Nittinat remembered the Tonquin.

The New Penelope and Other Stories and Poems |Frances Fuller Victor

Umhleswa seemed uneasy at this by-play, not understanding one word of English.

The Ruined Cities of Zululand |Hugh Mulleneux Walmsley

British Dictionary definitions for by-play

by-play

noun

secondary action or talking carried on apart while the main action proceeds, esp in a play