recess
rih-SEHS
Recess (noun) means a break from an activity or from regular proceedings, especially in a school, court, or legislature. Example: “The kids ran outside for recess after lunch.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- recesses
- Third person singular
- recesses
- Past tense
- recessed
- Comparative
- more recess
- Superlative
- most recess
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kids ran outside for _____ after lunch.
Etymology
From Latin recessus ("a withdrawing, a hidden or secluded spot"), from recedere ("to go back").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “recess” mean?
The word “recess” means a break from an activity or from regular proceedings, especially in a school, court, or legislature. In plain terms, a break in activity, or a hollow set into a wall.
How do you pronounce “recess”?
“Recess” is pronounced rih-SEHS (/ˈɹiˌsɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “recess” in a sentence?
Here is “recess” used in a sentence: “The kids ran outside for recess after lunch.”
What part of speech is “recess”?
Depending on how it is used, “recess” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “recess” come from?
The word “recess” comes from Latin. From Latin recessus ("a withdrawing, a hidden or secluded spot"), from recedere ("to go back").
Is “recess” a common word?
“Recess” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “recess” have?
“Recess” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a break from an activity or from regular proceedings, especially in a school, court, or legislature.
