recitation

noun

rec·​i·​ta·​tion ˌre-sə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce recitation (audio)
1
: the act of enumerating
a recitation of relevant details
2
: the act or an instance of reading or repeating aloud especially publicly
3
a
: a student's oral reply to questions
b
: a class period especially in association with and for review of a lecture

Examples of recitation in a Sentence

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.
These tasks include staunching blood, ignoring lies, returning books, paying fees and – quite often – combing out the lice, to name just a few from the recitation of fierce, loving gestures. Erik Pedersen, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025 Talking of having to listen involuntarily to people mouthing off on subjects that should be banned, the recitation of a prior night’s dream has to be the worst. Louis J. Esterhazy, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025 But Wilson’s address was a profound, unprecedented, and welcome departure from the typical, staid, recitation of facts and figures. Steve Zeidman, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025 While some Americans are familiar with the major beats of Jan. 20, including the recitation of the presidential oath of office and presidential parade, many may not know that the Constitution goes into detail about when inauguration should happen, even down to the precise time. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recitation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recitation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recitation. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

recitation

noun
rec·​i·​ta·​tion ˌres-ə-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce recitation (audio)
1
: a complete telling or listing of something
2
: the act or an instance of reading or repeating aloud especially before an audience
3
: a student's oral reply to questions

More from Merriam-Webster on recitation

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