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
Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
On Capitol Hill, members of Congress are returning to Washington on Monday after recess to continue their push to pass Trump’s legislative agenda.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 26 Apr. 2025
James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025
Wilson enjoyed learning arcane bits of city code, like how exterior doors that swing outward must be recessed.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
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Noun
Meanwhile, congressional Democrats spent the recess rallying their ranks against the key GOP budget plan and forthcoming legislation, after months of handwringing over how to respond to the Trump administration and Republican majorities in Congress.
—Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
On Capitol Hill, members of Congress are returning to Washington on Monday after recess to continue their push to pass Trump’s legislative agenda.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
Located at 25 West Hills Drive, a quiet cul-de-sac in Avon, this colonial has undeniable curb appeal enhanced by a central front door that is recessed for protection from the weather and defined by pilasters on either side.
—James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025
Wilson enjoyed learning arcane bits of city code, like how exterior doors that swing outward must be recessed.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recess. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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
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