recurrent

play

adjective re·cur·rent \ -ˈkər-ənt , -ˈkə-rənt \

Definition of recurrent

1 :running or turning back in a direction opposite to a former course —used of various nerves and branches of vessels in the arms and legs

2 :returning or happening time after time

recurrent complaints

—

recurrently

adverb

See recurrent defined for English-language learners

See recurrent defined for kids

Examples of recurrent in a Sentence

The loss of innocence is a recurrent theme in his stories.
had recurrent problems with the computer for months and finally junked it

Recent Examples of recurrent from the Web

Pianist and MacArthur Fellow Moran practically has become a composer-in-residence in Chicago, thanks to his appearances in Orchestra Hall, collaborations with the Kenwood Academy Jazz Band and recurrent work at the Chicago Jazz Festival.

— howard reich, chicagotribune.com, "Don't miss these shows at the Chicago Jazz Fest," 30 Aug. 2017
As the show proceeds, the tone of the recurrent trolley questions gets darker, as if to emphasize to the audience the potential consequences of even the most theoretical questions.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "The show exposes the foibles and contradictions embedded in the minds of an audience.," 16 Aug. 2017
A recurrent theme in my conversations with Yazidis and testimonies of female survivors is that not only foreign fighters but also local Iraqis and Syrians, both men and women, were actively involved in their rape and enslavement.

— güneş murat tezcür, Washington Post, "Three years ago, the Islamic State massacred Yazidis in Iraq. Why?," 15 Aug. 2017
The former French Under-21 international has made just 37 league appearances during his time with the club, after spending the majority of his stint on the treatment table plagued with a recurrent knee injury.

— SI.com, "Newcastle United Set to Part Ways With Flop Defender as Free Transfer to Ligue 1 Side Moves Closer," 30 July 2017
One of the reputed effects of real Captagon is to reduce compassion and there has been recurrent speculation that IS feeds genuine Captagon to its militants.

— The Economist, "Captured by CaptagonA new drug of choice in the Gulf," 18 July 2017
While the bills did prompt some concern among council members, the recurrent theme was that the city had to meet certain maintenance obligations in order to hold the team's feet to the fire on rent payments.

— lucy berry, AL.com, "Could Town Madison be home to a minor league baseball park?," 18 July 2017
And what’s recurrent in Brienne’s life is forming relationships with people that start with an opposing force, then a begrudging mutual respect and, out of that, a deep respect and pure love.

— tufayel ahmed, MSNBC Newsweek, "'Game of Thrones': What's Next for Westeros, Gwendoline Christie and Her Empowering Brienne of Tarth," 10 July 2017
Humanity's expansion into the Solar System seems to be a recurrent theme around here.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "A travel guide for our future Solar System," 9 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of recurrent

Latin recurrent-, recurrens, present participle of recurrere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1578

See Words from the same year

recurrent Synonyms

Synonyms

continual, on-and-off, periodic, periodical, intermittent, recurring

Antonyms

constant, continuous, incessant, unceasing

Related Words

alternate, alternating, cyclic (or cyclical), rhythmic (or rhythmical), seasonal, serial; aperiodic, erratic, fitful, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady

Near Antonyms

eternal, everlasting, interminable, perpetual

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

RECURRENT Defined for English Language Learners

recurrent

play

adjective

Definition of recurrent for English Language Learners

: happening or appearing again and again

RECURRENT Defined for Kids

recurrent

play

adjective re·cur·rent \ ri-ˈkər-ənt \

Definition of recurrent for Students

:happening or appearing again and again

a recurrent infection

Medical Dictionary

recurrent

play

adjective re·cur·rent \ -ˈkər-ənt, -ˈkə-rənt \

medical Definition of recurrent

1 :running or turning back in a direction opposite to a former course —used of various nerves and branches of vessels in the arms and legs

2 :returning or happening time after time

recurrent pain

—

recurrently

adverb

Learn More about recurrent

See words that rhyme with recurrent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for recurrent Spanish Central: Translation of recurrent Nglish: Translation of recurrent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of recurrent for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up recurrent? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

recurrent

Definition of recurrent

recurrently

Explore M-W

Examples of recurrent in a Sentence

Recent Examples of recurrent from the Web

Origin and Etymology of recurrent

recurrent Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Other Anatomy Terms

RECURRENT Defined for English Language Learners

recurrent

Definition of recurrent for English Language Learners

RECURRENT Defined for Kids

recurrent

Definition of recurrent for Students

Medical Dictionary

recurrent

medical Definition of recurrent

recurrently

Learn More about recurrent

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066