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

But amid a flurry of amendments and pushback from the AFL-CIO and Congressional Black Caucus, the bill failed to reach the floor for a vote before the Senate adjourned for its five-week August recess. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026

The legislation now moves to the House, which is on recess until after the November midterm elections. — Becky Sullivan, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026

Verb

The 126,000-square-foot wing includes almost 70,000 square feet of exhibition space spread out over five levels, the top two of which will be recessed in order to provide outdoor terrace space. — Leigh Anne Miller For Artnews, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026

The House recesses even earlier, heading out of town at the end of this week. — Tanaya MacHeel,garrett Downs, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

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