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
Noun
Lawmakers see path forward after Biden meeting Government shutdown threat returns as Congress wraps up recess Congress approves short-term funding bill to avoid shutdown More Caitlin Yilek Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at cbsnews.com and is based in Washington, D.C. Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2024 Bowles and Morrissey exchanged a series of sharp remarks over that, ultimately prompting Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer to call a recess. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Feb. 2024 The sixty-billion-dollar security package for Ukraine that President Joe Biden had promised was stalled in the House of Representatives, where the Republican Speaker, Mike Johnson, had sent the chamber into a two-week recess without scheduling a floor vote. Peter Slevin, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2024 But the Senate is also scheduled to take a two-week recess in February. Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 The plan is to vote on the plan before summer recess begins July 1. The Enquirer, 29 Jan. 2024 This natural recess—where Spangle was taught to conceal weapons during his time in Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance—proves the smoothest place to store an object reached for hundreds or even thousands of times per day. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 26 Jan. 2024 Because the House returned from recess yesterday, there would have been insufficient time to avoid a partial government shutdown. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024 Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) did not bring the bill up for a vote earlier this month before the House went on a two-week recess that ended Wednesday. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024
Verb
There’s no disputing the warm glow that recessed lighting provides. Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2024 How can Congress recess and avoid addressing the most significant geopolitical situation since 1939? Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 These pads are slightly recessed and surround by insulator. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Feb. 2024 Like on all Mazda vehicles, the navigation screen is recessed, resulting in an unattached feel. James Raia, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2024 The House was scheduled to remain in Washington until Friday and will recess until Tuesday. Marianna Sotomayor, Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2024 The Senate is expected to recess on Thursday and return Jan. 9. Jamie Joseph, Fox News, 12 Dec. 2023 With a double-fist bump and happy tears of their own, the couple recessed down the grassy aisle to what both considered the role of a lifetime: as partners for life. Tammy Lagorce, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2023 After the office of speaker was declared vacant, McHenry took the gavel and recessed the House for conference meetings. Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recess.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near recess

Cite this Entry

“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recess. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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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