recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsī-tᵊl 

1

a

: a detailed account : enumeration

a recital of names and dates

b

: the act or process or an instance of reciting

c

: discourse, narration

a colorful recital of a night on the town

2

a

: a concert given by an individual musician or dancer or by a dance troupe

b

: a public exhibition of skill given by music or dance pupils

recitalist

ri-ˈsī-tᵊl-ist 

noun

Examples of recital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The singer took a break from feeding fans cherries to attend his daughter Sovereign Bo’s recital. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 22 May 2025

May 28, 7:30 p.m. (recitals), May 29-31, 2:30 p.m. (recitals) and 7:30 p.m. (concertos); June 1, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. (recitals). —James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2025

The schedule includes more than 300 enriching events, from lectures and concerts to recitals and family programs. —Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 14 May 2025

The recital features Cameron Carpenter, a virtuoso who plays classical and baroque music with the La Jolla Music Society. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for recital

• entitle
• subtitle
• title
• vital

Kids Definition

recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl 

1

: a reciting of something

especially : a story told in detail

2

: a program of music usually given by a single performer

a piano recital

3

: a public performance by music or dance pupils

recitalist

-ᵊl-əst 

noun

Legal Definition

recital

noun

re·​ci·​tal ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl 

: a formal statement or setting forth of some relevant matter of fact in a deed or other document

Note: A recital is often preceded by whereas.