1
: the action of receding : recession entry 1
2
: a hidden, secret, or secluded place or part
3
a
: indentation, cleft
a deep recess in the hill
b
: alcove
a recess lined with books
4
: a suspension of business or procedure often for rest or relaxation
children playing at recess
recessed; recessing; recesses
1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for a recess
: to take a recess
Examples of recess in a Sentence
Noun
The students play outside after lunch and at recess.
Do you have morning recess?
The Senate debates will continue after the August recess.
The Senate wanted to vote on the bill before recess.
Verb
The trial recessed for the holidays.
The judge decided to recess the trial for the holidays.
Recent Examples on the Web
James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
At that point, Trantalis noted the tension in the room and suggested the commission take a five-minute recess.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026
Behind every roof beam is recessed LED lighting, with individual lighting control for every strand.
—Niyaz Pirani, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
In a recess behind the desk in Carnevali’s office a photo shows Squinzi and his wife Adriana Spazzoli holding the TIM Trophy at the Mapei in 2013.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
At that point, Trantalis noted the tension in the room and suggested the commission take a five-minute recess.
—Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2026
Verb
The curved and recessed arms are comfortable and add softness to the design, and the seat and back are padded with thick foam that’s supportive and won’t crush with use.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026
Behind every roof beam is recessed LED lighting, with individual lighting control for every strand.
—Niyaz Pirani, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for recess
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recess. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
recess
1 of 2 noun
re·cess
ˈrē-ˌses 
ri-ˈses
1
: a hidden or secret place
2
a
: a space or little hollow set back (as from the main line of a coast or mountain range)
b
3
: a brief period for relaxation between periods of work
recess
2 of 2 verb1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for or take a recess
Legal Definition
recess
noun
re·cess
ˈrē-ˌses, ri-ˈses
: a temporary adjournment of a trial, hearing, or legislative session
recess
verb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
