repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈti-shən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating or being repeated
b
: a motion or exercise (such as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
repetitional
ˌre-pə-ˈtish-nəl How to pronounce repetition (audio)
-ˈti-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of repetition in a Sentence

Sometimes repetition is necessary to drive a point home. Children's songs involve lots of repetition. I quit my job at the factory because I hated the mindless repetition.
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.
This way, the conversation can move toward repair instead of repetition. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025 Its gravity has collapsed beneath the weight of repetition and moral fatigue. Alaa Alqaisi august 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025 Do three to six sets of six to 12 repetitions of each exercise. Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 30 July 2025 The last repetition, against seventh-round pick Connor Colby, was more of a draw. Matt Barrows, New York Times, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for repetition

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repeticion, from Middle French, from Latin repetition-, repetitio, from repetere to repeat

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Repetition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repetition. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

repetition

noun
rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-ən How to pronounce repetition (audio)
1
a
: the act or an instance of repeating
b
: a motion or exercise (as a push-up) that is repeated and usually counted
2
: something repeated

More from Merriam-Webster on repetition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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