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

Most people still keyword-stuff for the old system, but the new layer rewards context, not repetition. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

For someone specifically trying to build strength, Torres generally recommends three to five working sets of three to eight repetitions on major movements. — Olivia Laborde, AJC.com, 14 Sep. 2026

There’s less repetition and less in the way of, like, classic choruses. — Chris Willman, Variety, 13 Sep. 2026

The power of these shows didn’t come from constant intensity but from duration, repetition, and consequences that compounded across seasons, allowing meaning to emerge gradually through accumulation. — Henry Metz, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 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