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

Once the season begins, every workout and repetition is about giving herself the best chance to make the right move in the moment. —Sierra Shafer, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025

Quinn performed thousands of repetitions of scent recognition and detection and was rewarded with food and praise. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025

Blonde wood tones also repeat throughout—repetition is another decorator's trick for creating harmony and a restful atmosphere. —Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Nov. 2025

The repetition of that mythic version has buttressed the belief that the fight for American independence was an event somehow separate from world history. —Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025

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