repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈti-shən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating or being repeated
b
: a motion or exercise (such as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
repetitional
ˌre-pə-ˈtish-nəl How to pronounce repetition (audio)
-ˈti-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of repetition in a Sentence

Sometimes repetition is necessary to drive a point home. Children's songs involve lots of repetition. I quit my job at the factory because I hated the mindless repetition.
Recent Examples on the Web What could be more conservative than to demand repetition of the radical? Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024 Then in March 2023, David Smith, an amateur tiling enthusiast, found a single tile that resisted repetition at least as far as his attempts could take him. Quanta Magazine, 3 July 2024 The repetition allows for creativity within bounds. Andrew Trunsky, New York Times, 8 June 2024 Why everyone is arguing about vacation repetition Experts say there's a reason that this is such a heated debate. Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for repetition 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'repetition.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repeticion, from Middle French, from Latin repetition-, repetitio, from repetere to repeat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of repetition was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near repetition

Cite this Entry

“Repetition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repetition. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

repetition

noun
rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-ən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating
b
: a motion or exercise (as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
: something repeated

More from Merriam-Webster on repetition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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