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.
And the album’s remaining eight songs new music and soundscapes to go under Cantrell’s recitations. Katherine Turman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025 But the documentary constitutes much more than a recitation of Ride’s credentials. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025 The evening would end with additional recitations of Burns’ poems and songs, culminating in a group singing of Auld Lange Syne. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 So get ready for this stock response to be followed by a lengthy recitation of names, including several of whom have no chance short of a meteor strike of making the team. Tim Britton, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 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 27 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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