recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsī-tᵊl 

1

a

: a detailed account : enumeration

a recital of names and dates

b

: the act or process or an instance of reciting

c

: discourse, narration

a colorful recital of a night on the town

2

a

: a concert given by an individual musician or dancer or by a dance troupe

b

: a public exhibition of skill given by music or dance pupils

recitalist

ri-ˈsī-tᵊl-ist 

noun

Examples of recital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each has a long patio with seating, and sliding doors open to reveal a huge angular four-poster swathed in mosquito netting and enough floor space to hold a dance recital. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026

Moments later, Bryan walked through the front door, and Cassidy raced into his arms, thrilled that her uncle had made it to her recital after all. — Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 14 July 2026

As a child, Denijah participated in dance recitals, school activities, and spent time with her sisters. — Francie Ebert, NBC news, 13 July 2026

Virginia’s dad, too busy to show up for her, used to hire a cameraman to film her school recitals in secret. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for recital

• entitle
• subtitle
• phytol
• title
• vital

Kids Definition

recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl 

1

: a reciting of something

especially : a story told in detail

2

: a program of music usually given by a single performer

a piano recital

3

: a public performance by music or dance pupils

recitalist

-ᵊl-əst 

noun

Legal Definition

recital

noun

re·​ci·​tal ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl 

: a formal statement or setting forth of some relevant matter of fact in a deed or other document

Note: A recital is often preceded by whereas.