repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈti-shən 

1

a

: the act or an instance of repeating or being repeated

b

: a motion or exercise (such as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted

2

: mention, recital

repetitional

ˌre-pə-ˈtish-nəl 

-ˈti-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• duplication
• iteration
• redo
• reduplication
• reiteration
• renewal
• repeat
• replay
• replication
• reprise

Examples of repetition in a Sentence

Sometimes repetition is necessary to drive a point home.

Children's songs involve lots of repetition.

I quit my job at the factory because I hated the mindless repetition.

Recent Examples on the Web

Disjointed communication between interviewers often leads to repetition and confusion. —Nadia Edwards-Dashti, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

Lifting heavier weights or successfully completing more repetitions are other signs of muscle gain. —Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025

The entire lineup is built upon the repetition of an individual module comprising a polished circular disc or smooth dome flanked by openwork interlocking links on each side. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 5 June 2025

Born from a deeply personal transition in the artist’s life, the intense red pattern of the almond-like vesica piscis shape—a mathematical symbol derived from the intersection of two circles—in the work explores the forces of mantra, consistency and repetition. —Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repeticion, from Middle French, from Latin repetition-, repetitio, from repetere to repeat

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing repetition

• incremental repetition

Rhymes for repetition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-ən 

1

a

: the act or an instance of repeating

b

: a motion or exercise (as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted

2

: something repeated