How to Pronounce "play by ear"
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈiɹ/, /ˈɪɹ
PLAY by EER
plˈeɪ/ /bˈaɪ/ /ˈiə
PLAY by EE-uh
Definition
To decide what to do as a situation develops, instead of planning in advance. It also means playing a musical piece without reading sheet music, using memory or improvisation.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈiɹ/, /ˈɪɹ
British English
plˈeɪ/ /bˈaɪ/ /ˈiə
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PLAY by EER
UK
PLAY by EE-uh
Listen in Context
Let's play by ear and see what happens at the party.
He can't read music, so he just plays by ear.
We don't have a plan. We'll just play it by ear tomorrow.
Can we play it by ear for dinner plans? I’m not sure when I’ll finish work.