recess

1 of 2

noun

re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses  ri-ˈses 

1

: the action of receding : recession entry 1

2

: a hidden, secret, or secluded place or part

3

a

: indentation, cleft

a deep recess in the hill

b

: alcove

a recess lined with books

4

: a suspension of business or procedure often for rest or relaxation

children playing at recess

recess

2 of 2

verb

recessed; recessing; recesses

transitive verb

1

: to put into a recess

recessed lighting

2

: to make a recess in

3

: to interrupt for a recess

intransitive verb

: to take a recess

Synonyms of recess

Noun

• alcove

Verb

• suspend
• adjourn
• postpone
• interrupt

Examples of recess in a Sentence

Noun

The students play outside after lunch and at recess.

Do you have morning recess?

The Senate debates will continue after the August recess.

The Senate wanted to vote on the bill before recess.

Verb

The trial recessed for the holidays.

The judge decided to recess the trial for the holidays.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This year, leaders in Congress also opted not to impose a pre-holiday deadline to fund the government, which often raises pressure on lawmakers to agree to a deal before leaving town for the winter recess. —Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

While the high court has until its June recess to hand down a ruling, tensions surrounding the tariffs are running hot—and not just in Washington. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 16 Dec. 2025

Verb

Queen of minimalism, Janet has essentially just set type in panels—but the way the background sags like a deflating hot-air balloon, with the type recessed into it, is so wry and brilliant. —Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025

Lucah's second tooth had encroached, blocking the path for his right front tooth, which remains recessed in his gums, his mother said. —Beth Warren, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin recessus, from recedere to recede

First Known Use

Noun

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1809, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for recess

• abbess
• abscess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress
• distress
• egress
• excess

Kids Definition

recess

1 of 2 noun

re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses 

ri-ˈses

1

: a hidden or secret place

2

a

: a space or little hollow set back (as from the main line of a coast or mountain range)

b

: alcove sense 1

3

: a brief period for relaxation between periods of work

recess

2 of 2 verb

1

: to put into a recess

recessed lighting

2

: to make a recess in

3

: to interrupt for or take a recess

Medical Definition

recess

noun

re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses  ri-ˈ 

: an anatomical depression or cleft : fossa

Legal Definition

recess

noun

re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses, ri-ˈses 

: a temporary adjournment of a trial, hearing, or legislative session

recess verb