recite

verb

re·​cite ri-ˈsīt How to pronounce recite (audio)
recited; reciting

transitive verb

1
: to repeat from memory or read aloud publicly
2
a
: to relate in full
recites dull anecdotes
b
: to give a recital of : detail
recited a catalog of offenses
3
: to repeat or answer questions about (a lesson)

intransitive verb

1
: to repeat or read aloud something memorized or prepared
2
: to reply to a teacher's question on a lesson
reciter noun

Examples of recite in a Sentence

He recited the poem with great feeling. He began to recite from the Koran. He can easily recite all the facts about any player on the team.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over the years, my kids could probably recite my paranoid speeches to them about rip currents. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 Think buttons toddlers can press to play prompts on how to share with friends, and even ones that recite a step-by-step bedtime routine for kids to follow. Liz Regalia, Parents, 21 July 2025 Ron Cyrus recites a hymn written by Eldon Lindsey Cyrus, Cyrus’ great grandfather. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 17 July 2025 Throughout her childhood in Mexico, the writer's great-grandmother often recited folk tales about the magic practicers that were said to roam the country. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for recite

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to relate, state, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French reciter, from Latin recitare to recite, from re- + citare to summon — more at cite

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recite was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Recite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recite. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

recite

verb
re·​cite ri-ˈsīt How to pronounce recite (audio)
recited; reciting
1
: to repeat from memory or read aloud before an audience
recite a poem
2
: to tell all the details of
3
: to answer questions about a lesson
reciter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on recite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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