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.
But his friends, with hearts softened by Linus’ recitation of scripture, come to his aid. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 19 Dec. 2024 But the answer must begin with a recitation of the crimes of Assad. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024 Along with grief and remembrance, a call to action Saturday’s border vigil in El Paso and Juarez will feature a recitation of the names of people identified who have died this year in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s El Paso sector. Marc Ramirez, USA TODAY, 31 Oct. 2024 The president’s bellowing recitation of his accomplishments served as a vivid reminder of the bullet so recently deflected by Nancy Pelosi and her ruthless fellow Democratic Party panjandrums by hustling the would-be nominee into political oblivion. Andrew Cockburn, Harper's Magazine, 5 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near recitation

Cite this Entry

“Recitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recitation. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!