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 Normalize this through repetition — applied to everyone, not just Nana. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2024 The designer, who wore an argyle sweater that looked like a collaboration with knitwear specialist Wolsey, is engaged in a process that generates tingles of ASMR satisfaction in order to achieve environmental self-enlightenment through purposeful repetition. Luke Leitch, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2024 This methodical repetition is akin to layering paint; each coat adds depth and richness, ensuring a flawless finish. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024 The best way to hone your skill is through repetition and experience. Robert Pearl, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Their ambient melodies were free-flowing, save the moment when André or a synth player would hold onto a riff and let its groove sink in through repetition. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2024 Has repetition often been a core part of your songwriting? Vulture, 26 Jan. 2024 Consistent daily repetition was the biggest factor influencing whether a behavior would become part of an automatic daily routine, says Lally, who was the first author on the study. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2024 Complex logistics, emergency room visits, medications, incontinence, repetition, and aggression became my life. Chloe Bottero, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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

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