recess

1 of 2

noun

re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses How to pronounce recess (audio)
ri-ˈ
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

recess

2 of 2

verb

recessed; recessing; recesses

transitive verb

1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for a recess

intransitive verb

: 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
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
The prohibition has been in force for decades, prompted by the unseemly practice of the legislature going into recess for a few hours during its busiest time, the spring, to allow legislative leaders of both parties to hold fundraising events crowded with lobbyists and their clients. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025 Super believes the Supreme Court is likely to weigh in on the Alien Enemies Act again — possibly before its summer recess. Joe Walsh may 15, CBS News, 15 May 2025
Verb
At one point, school officials recessed the meeting. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 May 2025 The Arkansas House and Senate recessed on April 16. Josh Snyder, Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recess

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin recessus, from recedere to recede

First Known Use

Noun

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1809, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recess was in 1531

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recess. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

recess

1 of 2 noun
re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses How to pronounce recess (audio)
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)
3
: a brief period for relaxation between periods of work

recess

2 of 2 verb
1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for or take a recess

Medical Definition

recess

noun
re·​cess ˈrē-ˌses How to pronounce recess (audio) ri-ˈ How to pronounce recess (audio)
: an anatomical depression or cleft : fossa

Legal Definition

recess

noun
: a temporary adjournment of a trial, hearing, or legislative session
recess verb

More from Merriam-Webster on recess

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