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-ˈti-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of repetition

• repeat
• replay

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

Unlike steroid injections—which provide temporary relief and often require repetition—GAE targets the underlying mechanism of pain and inflammation. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025

Students follow a sequence of increasingly complex steps involving things like letter-sound relationships and syllabication, with lots of repetition. —David Owen, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025

Outfit repetition is on the rise with capsule wardrobes gaining more traction than ever. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 22 Dec. 2025

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande leaned into heightened glamour that evolved alongside their characters, favoring dramatic proportions, darker tones and theatrical craftsmanship that suggested growth rather than repetition. —Alex Badia, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 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