Word
playback
Phoneticsplay·back, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɫeɪˌbæk/
UK/plˈeɪbæk/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the act of listening to or watching something you have recorded. You use this when you want to check a video or audio file you just made.
n. the reproduction of previously recorded sound or video signals. Refers to both the process of playing back and the quality of the resulting output.
Examples
“The video playback is very smooth.”
“After recording the interview, the journalist checked the playback to ensure the audio was clear enough for transcription.”
“High-end audio equipment aims for faithful playback, ensuring that the listener hears the recording exactly as the artist intended without any artificial distortion or coloration.”
Examples
simple
“The video playback is very smooth.”
contextual
“After recording the interview, the journalist checked the playback to ensure the audio was clear enough for transcription.”
complex
“High-end audio equipment aims for faithful playback, ensuring that the listener hears the recording exactly as the artist intended without any artificial distortion or coloration.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun for the process, but can be countable when referring to a specific instance of playing a recording.
Etymology
From play + back.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/playback