repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈti-shən 

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

: mention, recital

repetitional

ˌre-pə-ˈti-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms of repetition

• repeat
• replay

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

The countless repetitions give you the most beautiful art form where swans glide, fairies dance and every year a giant nutcracker appears. — Chrissie Leong, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Standards call for consistency, repetition and competitive stamina when the thrill of the anticipation fades. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Her work examines fashion as a cultural and ideological system, with a focus on copying, repetition, and reuse as critical and pedagogical strategies to question dominant notions of originality and value. — Vogue, 30 July 2026

The slow passage of time in everyday situations, repetition and silences are what interest the filmmaker. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

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

Phrases Containing repetition

• incremental repetition

Rhymes for repetition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-ən 

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