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

My mom was a dancer, so growing up, makeup and dance recitals and dress-up, all of it was very, very normal for me. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

In between that opening scene in 1996 and the closing episode set in 2022, the show moves back and forth along the timeline, tackling life events both big and small in this trio’s lives, from bar mitzvahs and failed interventions to child dance recitals and the COVID-19 pandemic. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Aug. 2025

Students perform throughout the year at community recitals, festivals, and the organization’s signature event, Taco Tuesday Live. —Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2025

At dance recitals and school events, my parents were always there. —Avalon Hester, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for recital

• entitle
• subtitle
• 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.