recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsī-tᵊl How to pronounce recital (audio)
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 noun

Examples of recital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Smith’s spoken-word recital, which Ferrara had originally filmed for a separate documentary, is set against a heavy, doom-laden score while abstract images project onto a giant screen behind her in Paris’ Center Pompidou. Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 In May 2023, Josh shared a sweet series of photos of her first dance recital on his Instagram Story. Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Learn about the history of the American spiritual and its oral tradition with a recital by American Spiritual Ensemble. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 25 Feb. 2024 Knopp studied music and was scheduled to perform a senior recital on March 21. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 24 Feb. 2024 Bickers will give a free solo organ recital to celebrate Village Presbyterian’s 75th anniversary March 1 at the church. Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 23 Feb. 2024 Russell Thomas at the Kennedy Center Vocal Arts DC brings the area recital debut of renowned tenor Russell Thomas to the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024 And Friday’s recital is a product of that, of grappling with how to be an orchestra at the same time as a piano. Joshua Barone, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2024 There were varied performances given of Swift’s tune — from melodic recitals to hilarious dramatic readings — as well as some impressive note-for-note vocals from clear Swifties: Gladstone, 37, and Dynervor, 28. Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of recital was in 1536

Dictionary Entries Near recital

Cite this Entry

“Recital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recital. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

recital

noun
re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl How to pronounce recital (audio)
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 noun

Legal Definition

recital

noun
re·​ci·​tal ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl How to pronounce recital (audio)
: 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.

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