recourse

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noun re·course \ˈrē-ˌkȯrs, ri-ˈ\

Definition of recourse

1a : a turning to someone or something for help or protection settled the matter without recourse to lawb : a source of help or strength : resort had no recourse left
2 : the right to demand payment from the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument (such as a check)

See recourse defined for English-language learners

See recourse defined for kids

Examples of recourse in a Sentence

The dispute was settled without recourse to law.
a toddler quickly learns that a tantrum is a surefire recourse when a polite request for something is met with parental indifference

Recent Examples of recourse from the Web

Although Brock Turner could not be retried, aggrieved voters still had another recourse: kick Persky out of office.

— cleve r. wootson jr., sacbee, "He sentenced Stanford rapist to six months in jail. Now he’s defending his ruling.", 2 July 2017
But creating heat for schools by going public has been the only real recourse for athletes like Sutton.

— george schroeder, The Courier-Journal, "NCAA proposal would stop schools, coaches from holding transfers hostage", 28 June 2017
The buffet had closed down five minutes before the group got there, so their only recourse was to go to the pool area and sit at a table for four and order breakfast.

— jessica diehl, Vanities, "Cover Story: Serena Williams’s Love Match", 27 June 2017
Danielson’s only current recourse is the $19,299 in restitution ordered from Taylor Kemp, 20, the man convicted of starting the fire.

— john sowell, idahostatesman, "With no insurance, a burned home, Table Rock Fire victim still wants an apology", 27 June 2017
In the same site were untold numbers of Yemenis with no recourse to lawyers.

— cori crider, The Atlantic, "The Danger of Yemen's Secret Prisons", 25 June 2017
State attorneys' only recourse now is the U.S. Supreme Court.

— crimesider staff, CBS News, ""Making a Murderer" confession coerced, judges rule", 22 June 2017
To provide some recourse if the job proves to be obviously substandard, contracts should contain a phrase to the effect that the contractor will complete the project in a workmanlike and professional manner.

— kevin brasler, The Seattle Times, "Window installers: How to choose new views of Mount Rainier or your own yard", 21 June 2017
Now, the employees' recourse is to file suit in small claims court, a spokesman for the Louisiana Workforce Commission said.

— ann maloney, NOLA.com, "Fundraising under way for unpaid Irish House employees", 15 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recourse'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of recourse

Middle English recours, from Anglo-French recurs, from Late Latin recursus, from Latin, act of running back, from recurrere to run back — more at recur

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

RECOURSE Defined for English Language Learners

recourse

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noun

Definition of recourse for English Language Learners

: an opportunity or choice to use or do something in order to deal with a problem or situation

RECOURSE Defined for Kids

recourse

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noun re·course \ˈrē-ˌkȯrs\

Definition of recourse for Students

: someone or something that can be turned to for help or protection

Law Dictionary

recourse

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noun re·course \ˈrē-ˌkōrs, ri-ˈkōrs\

Legal Definition of recourse

1a : the act of turning to someone or something for assistance especially in obtaining redress b : a means to a desired end especially in the nature of a remedy or justice; also : the end itself
2 : the right or ability to demand payment or compensation; specifically : the right to demand payment from the endorser or drawer of a negotiable instrument — see also recourse note at note — compare non-recourse

Additional Notes on recourse

Under Article 3 of the Uniform Commercial Code, the phrase without recourse on a negotiable instrument limits the liability of the endorser or drawer. If an endorsement states that it is made without recourse, the endorser is not liable to pay, subject to various conditions, if the instrument is dishonored. Similarly, if a draft states that it is drawn without recourse, the drawer is not liable to pay, subject to various conditions, if the draft is dishonored, provided that it is not a check.