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-ˈtish-nəl 

-ˈti-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• duplication
• iteration
• redo
• reduplication
• reiteration
• renewal
• repeat
• replay
• replication
• reprise

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

Thoughtful repetition and use of neutrals keep his rooms calm and inviting. —Eleni N. Gage, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025

For example, some parents may wonder if these behaviors are related to things like stimming (repetitive movement or sounds), echolalia (meaningless repetition of words), or self-regulation behaviors. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 12 May 2025

Focus on moving with good form rather than trying to do as many repetitions as possible. —Alyssa Ages, New York Times, 3 May 2025

As popular books like Atomic Habits have argued, regular, deliberate repetition of the same action creates a new habit. —Andrew Abela, Forbes.com, 3 May 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