1
: the action of receding : recession entry 1
2
: a hidden, secret, or secluded place or part
3
a
: indentation, cleft
a deep recess in the hill
b
: alcove
a recess lined with books
4
: a suspension of business or procedure often for rest or relaxation
children playing at recess
recessed; recessing; recesses
1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for a recess
: to take a recess
Examples of recess in a Sentence
Noun
The students play outside after lunch and at recess.
Do you have morning recess?
The Senate debates will continue after the August recess.
The Senate wanted to vote on the bill before recess.
Verb
The trial recessed for the holidays.
The judge decided to recess the trial for the holidays.
Recent Examples on the Web
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025
The New York Democrat spent much of the recess promoting a book aimed at combating antisemitism, but he was also forced to sell himself as still being the best person to lead Senate Democrats.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 30 Mar. 2025
Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
Across the aisle, next to the unfurled Murphy bed, the build includes a large 150-L fridge with drawer freezer recessed in the wall.
—New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
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Noun
Photo : Italy Sotheby’s International Realty One of them includes a bar set within an arched recess.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025
The New York Democrat spent much of the recess promoting a book aimed at combating antisemitism, but he was also forced to sell himself as still being the best person to lead Senate Democrats.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
The committee was expected to vote on the legislation Monday evening but recessed without holding a vote.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
Across the aisle, next to the unfurled Murphy bed, the build includes a large 150-L fridge with drawer freezer recessed in the wall.
—New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recess. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
recess
1 of 2 noun
re·cess
ˈrē-ˌses 
ri-ˈses
1
: a hidden or secret place
2
a
: a space or little hollow set back (as from the main line of a coast or mountain range)
b
3
: a brief period for relaxation between periods of work
recess
2 of 2 verb1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for or take a recess
Legal Definition
recess
noun
re·cess
ˈrē-ˌses, ri-ˈses
: a temporary adjournment of a trial, hearing, or legislative session
recess
verb
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