recourse

noun

re·​course ˈrē-ˌkȯrs How to pronounce recourse (audio)
ri-ˈkȯrs
1
a
: a turning to someone or something for help or protection
settled the matter without recourse to law
b
: 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)

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 on the Web
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Since mining safety investigations were largely left to the states to oversee, citizens who filed complaints were left with little recourse when reports stalled or went unaddressed. Laken Brooks, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Clubs have, perhaps naturally, linked their one avenue of recourse to the existing rules framework. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 21 June 2025 At the federal level, oversight gaps and expired reimbursement authority have left skimming victims with no recourse. Christina Hanson, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025 Billions in user funds were lost or frozen, with limited recourse. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for recourse

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of recourse was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recourse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recourse. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

recourse

noun
re·​course ˈrē-ˌkō(ə)rs How to pronounce recourse (audio)
-ˌkȯ(ə)rs;
ri-ˈkō(ə)rs,
-ˈkȯ(ə)rs
1
: a turning for assistance or protection
have recourse to the law
2
: a source of help or strength : resort

Legal Definition

recourse

noun
1
a
: 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

Note: 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.

More from Merriam-Webster on recourse

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