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

But the bulk of the evening was a simpler recitation of the 1993 debate, including viewer call-ins. —Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2026

His way of framing his own work is thrilling, but the recitations are electric. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026

Jackson turned the recitation into a call‑and‑response chant, often delivered with groups of children or large crowds. —Diana Leyva, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 17 Feb. 2026

When asked by The Guardian in 2012 the most important lesson life has taught him, Jackson delivered this recitation. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

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