recitative

noun

rec·​i·​ta·​tive ˌre-sə-tə-ˈtēv 

ˌre-stə-

1

: a rhythmically free vocal style that imitates the natural inflections of speech and that is used for dialogue and narrative in operas and oratorios

also : a passage to be delivered in this style

2

: recitation sense 2

recitative adjective

Examples of recitative in a Sentence

the second recitative of Act II

The opera made use of recitative.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is done with Taub’s sheer skills with the song styles varying from strong recitatives to insightful arias and battle cries. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

Instead of the traditional alternation of sung-text recitative and arias (songs), verismo operas are more seamless in how songs are interwoven with the story. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025

Rinuccini and Peri’s Dafne was performed using a new style called recitative, in which the vocalist would have imitated the rhythm of spoken language rather than focusing on the melody. —Mariana Fernández, ARTnews.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Librettists supplied composers with heaps of verse for arias and other vocal numbers, alongside chunks of prose recitative that allowed for interstitial exposition. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian recitativo, from recitare to recite, from Latin

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

recitative

noun

rec·​i·​ta·​tive ˌres-(ə-)tə-ˈtēv 

: a style of singing without a fixed rhythm that imitates speech and is used sometimes in operas and oratorios

also : a passage in this style

recitative adjective