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

The exec’s recitation appeared to surprise even his longtime colleagues on the video call. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 17 July 2025

The application, the discipline, the serenity from the recitation of the daimoku helped Baggio overcome. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 June 2025

Foods of symbolic significance are consumed, while prayers and traditional recitations are performed. —Chris Sims, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Howell walked out of the room when approached by officers, while another group of protestors then stood and picked up the recitation. —Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for recitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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