recess

1 of 2

noun

re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses How to pronounce recess (audio)
ri-ˈ
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

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
Congress cut their time in session short yesterday, leaving for recess until after the election. Maria Curi, Axios, 26 Sep. 2024 Fists clenched, Caleb runs away from campus On May 23, 2023, Caleb became aggravated in class and left his classroom at Pine Tree to go to recess, according to witness statements in an Oakland County Sheriff’s Office report. Lily Altavena, Detroit Free Press, 25 Sep. 2024
Verb
Rumors swirling among the GOP conference and Democratic caucus is that if the rule fails — or votes on the bills later this week fail, the House could recess as soon as this week for its August break away from Washington. Marianna Sotomayor, Washington Post, 23 July 2024 State lawmakers will be up into the wee hours of Thursday morning frantically making deals and finalizing key pieces of legislation before both chambers recess for the rest of the year. Mike Deehan, Axios, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for recess 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recess was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near recess

Cite this Entry

“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recess. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

recess

1 of 2 noun
re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses How to pronounce recess (audio)
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)
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 How to pronounce recess (audio) ri-ˈ How to pronounce recess (audio)
: an anatomical depression or cleft : fossa

Legal Definition

recess

noun
: a temporary adjournment of a trial, hearing, or legislative session
recess verb

More from Merriam-Webster on recess

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