recursive

adjective

re·​cur·​sive ri-ˈkər-siv How to pronounce recursive (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or involving recursion
a recursive function in a computer program
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a procedure that can repeat itself indefinitely
a recursive rule in a grammar
recursively adverb
recursiveness noun

Examples of recursive in a Sentence

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.
That's neat in a recursive technological horror kind of way. ArsTechnica, 13 June 2025 This compresses multiple proofs into one through recursive zk-SNARKs, like stacking blocks into a single structure. Ayush Gupta, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 The bottom of the second presented a different, but equally recursive Red Sox problem. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 7 June 2025 Seemingly every science-fiction novel ever written about A.I. suggests that implementing recursive self-improvement is a bad idea. Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recursive

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "recurring repeatedly," from Latin recursus, past participle of recurrere "to run back, run in the opposite direction, return" + -ive; in given senses as translation of German rekurrent or rekursiv — more at recur

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recursive was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Recursive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recursive. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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