recitation

noun

rec·​i·​ta·​tion ˌre-sə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of enumerating

a recitation of relevant details

2

: the act or an instance of reading or repeating aloud especially publicly

3

a

: a student's oral reply to questions

b

: a class period especially in association with and for review of a lecture

Examples of recitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Philpott’s recitation of the allegations drew muffled sobs from the audience in the packed courtroom, most of whom were there in support of the victims and their families. —Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024

Now into her late 70s, Smith has settled into a very distinctive, rapturous kind of style, which oscillates between singing and recitation. —Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2024

Contest that encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. —Michelle Jenkins, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

After coffee and croissants, the trio returned to pacing, study, and recitation, occasionally huddling to discuss a matter in detail. —Khari Johnson, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2024

Randy, with his infectious grin, twinkling eyes, warm handshake, and rote recitation of Japanese garden symbology, was not condemned for a string of killings but rather for leading a death squad one summer night in 1987. —Matt Thompson, SPIN, 12 Mar. 2024

Much of Bailey’s petition consists of a recitation of years-old health and safety violations at a PPGP clinic in Columbia. —Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 29 Feb. 2024

As part of the agreement, eBay admitted to a prosecutor's recitation of facts about the company's conduct and agreed to pay a $3 million criminal penalty, which is the maximum fine for the six offenses. —USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024

In 2016, there were under 700 applications which used the words artificial intelligence among their recitations of goods and services. —Jess Collen, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

recitation

noun

rec·​i·​ta·​tion ˌres-ə-ˈtā-shən 

1

: a complete telling or listing of something

2

: the act or an instance of reading or repeating aloud especially before an audience

3

: a student's oral reply to questions