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 title track is simply a recitation of imagined Spotify playlists, and once the joke lands we’re not left with much. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 25 Mar. 2026

What the book is not is a recitation of big games and important goals. —Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026

Its stories are centuries old – yet they are recited by many Nepalis every winter, even as the daily recitation now competes with many modern distractions, such as smartphones and social media. —Jessica Vantine Birkenholtz, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2026

Islamic education can include Quranic studies and recitation as well as curriculum on Islamic principles, Carroll said. —Silas Allen, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 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