playback

[ pley-bak ]

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.

playback

/ 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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of playback¹

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

Example Sentences

If you’re on the home page you’ll see playback controls for your whole reading list, and if you’re inside an article you’ll get to listen to just that story.

From Popular-Science

Your internet speeds and settings matterRegardless what plan you’re on, Netflix adjusts the streaming quality to match your internet connection speed, and prioritizes seamless playback over image resolution.

From Popular-Science

The headphones work with Apple’s voice-activated Siri digital assistant and have a physical side control called the Digital Crown, the same mechanism on the Apple Watch, to control music playback.

From Fortune

The other big feature shutdown is music playback on Google Home and Nest Audio speakers.

From Ars Technica

Many singers have broken down in tears listening to their playbacks because they couldn’t believe how beautiful they sound.

From Ozy

It was one of those moments that we all watched on playback and went, “Ahhh!”

From The Daily Beast

Gentlemen, listen to this playback and then I'll have Dr. Forster here go on from there.

From Project Gutenberg

He rubbed the back of his head, looked at the viewsphere, then checked the playback index and tapped the rewind.

From Project Gutenberg

And in the playback: Thirty chin-high ledges loaded with soft lard, and only finger holds and toe holds.

From Project Gutenberg

During the playback he could think in no other terms; he could not even correct, edit or improve the phrasing.

From Project Gutenberg

Compliment and response could have been a playback from every morning of the ten years of his reign.

From Project Gutenberg