recess

1 of 2

noun

re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses How to pronounce recess (audio)
ri-ˈ
1
: the action of receding : recession entry 1
2
: a hidden, secret, or secluded place or part
3
a
: indentation, cleft
a deep recess in the hill
b
: alcove
a recess lined with books
4
: a suspension of business or procedure often for rest or relaxation
children playing at recess

recess

2 of 2

verb

recessed; recessing; recesses

transitive verb

1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for a recess

intransitive verb

: to take a recess

Examples of recess in a Sentence

Noun The students play outside after lunch and at recess. Do you have morning recess? The Senate debates will continue after the August recess. The Senate wanted to vote on the bill before recess. Verb The trial recessed for the holidays. The judge decided to recess the trial for the holidays.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The president called on lawmakers from both parties to return to Washington early from a pre-Election Day recess to approve more FEMA dollars. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 The Singapore Ministry of Health instituted outdoor playtime or recess during school hours. Gary Stix, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2024
Verb
The House has recessed until after the November election, sparking ire from Republicans as the lower chamber has left behind a long to-do list involving spending bills, contempt resolutions, task forces, and censure initiatives. Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Sep. 2024 Instead, they’re recessed for a flatter, more comfortable profile. Victoria Song, The Verge, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for recess 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin recessus, from recedere to recede

First Known Use

Noun

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1809, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recess was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near recess

Cite this Entry

“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recess. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

recess

1 of 2 noun
re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses How to pronounce recess (audio)
ri-ˈses
1
: a hidden or secret place
2
a
: a space or little hollow set back (as from the main line of a coast or mountain range)
3
: a brief period for relaxation between periods of work

recess

2 of 2 verb
1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for or take a recess

Medical Definition

recess

noun
re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses How to pronounce recess (audio) ri-ˈ How to pronounce recess (audio)
: an anatomical depression or cleft : fossa

Legal Definition

recess

noun
: a temporary adjournment of a trial, hearing, or legislative session
recess verb

More from Merriam-Webster on recess

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