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

Lastly there’s Wild, a restaurant that stands apart in a destination that can sometimes blur into aesthetic repetition. —Gina Góngora, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Mar. 2026

Early mornings, weight room sessions, batting cage repetitions and countless hours of practice were all part of the process. —Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

First, large, standardized reactors where scale and repetition drive down cost and improve delivery. —John Kerry, semafor.com, 10 Mar. 2026

Repeat for 10-12 repetitions (reps) of the movement and perform three to four sets. —Jakob Roze, Health, 9 Mar. 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