noun
recess
rih-SEHS
noun
1
A break from an activity or from regular proceedings, especially in a school, court, or legislature.
"The kids ran outside for recess after lunch."
"Congress is on recess until next month."
2
A hollow or indented space set back into a wall or surface.
"A small statue sat in a recess in the wall."
verb
1
To suspend a meeting or proceeding temporarily.
"The judge recessed the court until the following morning."
How to Use Recess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA break in activity, or a hollow set into a wall.
UK vs US
In US schools, "recess" is the standard word for the children's outdoor break; British English typically says "break" instead.
Common pairings
school recess
go into recess
a recess in the wall
Word Forms
more recess comparative, recessed past tense, recesses plural, recesses singular, most recess superlative
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Etymology
From Latin recessus ("a withdrawing, a hidden or secluded spot"), from recedere ("to go back").