Entry Word: recess

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a hollowed-out space in a wall <in that video game, youʼll find the secret treasure in one of the recesses of the tomb wall> — see niche 1
2 a period during which the usual routine of school or work is suspended <the couple goes to Florida every January for a month-long recess from the rigors of winter> — see vacation
3 a momentary halt in an activity <the class took an extra recess after the math lesson> — see pause
4 a sunken area forming a separate space <decided to camp in a sandy recess where the beach met the forest> — see hole 2