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

After the grave was closed, the clergy then continued to say prayers and recitations from the Quran. — Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2026

Lukehart’s final moments included a brief apology and the recitation of a Bible verse. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026

The reader who pauses for breath, after this recitation of horrors, is soon rewarded by being plunged into a yet more catastrophic mire. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026

As the Imam intoned verses from the Quran, a series of reverberating chimes from users’ phones suddenly cut through the recitation. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 26 May 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