recur

verb

re·​cur ri-ˈkər How to pronounce recur (audio)
recurred; recurring
Synonyms of recurnext

intransitive verb

1
: to occur or appear again
the cancer recurred
a problem that keeps recurring
2
: to come again to mind
One of the staffer's comments, however, keeps recurring to me.Kevin R. Kosar
3
: to have recourse : resort
… are no longer willing to recur to Congress to repeal unconstitutional laws …Joe Wolverton
4
: to go back in thought or discourse
… on recurring to my letters of that date …Thomas Jefferson

Examples of recur in a Sentence

There is only a slight chance that the disease will recur. The same problem keeps recurring.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Launching April 28 as the channel’s flagship program, The Sebastian Maniscalco Show will feature Maniscalco alongside contributors like his longtime friend and comedian Pete Correale, plus celebrity drop-ins and recurring segments. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026 Blake and Dylan appeared on the show on a recurring basis, as did Stamos, Saget, Loughlin and Dave Coulier, who played family friend Joey. Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 13 Apr. 2026 No-fee overdraft protection Overdraft Coverage is a feature automatically offered to SoFi Checking and Savings account holders who receive at least $1,000 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits within a rolling 31 calendar day period on a recurring basis. Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026 The Medina Triennial, a new recurring art exhibition set to launch in the titular Western New York village this summer, has revealed the artist list for its inaugural edition, due to open on June 6 in close proximity to the Erie Canal. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for recur

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin recurrere "to run back, return, have recourse (to)," from re- re- + currere "to run" — more at current entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1512, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of recur was circa 1512

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recur. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

recur

verb
re·​cur ri-ˈkər How to pronounce recur (audio)
recurred; recurring
1
: to go or come back in thought or discussion
2
: to come again into the mind
3
: to occur or appear again
recurrence
-ˈkər-ən(t)s How to pronounce recur (audio)
-ˈkə-rən(t)s
noun

Medical Definition

recur

intransitive verb
re·​cur ri-ˈkər How to pronounce recur (audio)
recurred; recurring
: to occur again after an interval
a disease likely to recur

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