repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌre-pə-ˈti-shən 

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

: mention, recital

repetitional

ˌre-pə-ˈtish-nəl 

-ˈti-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• duplication
• iteration
• redo
• reduplication
• reiteration
• renewal
• repeat
• replay
• replication
• reprise

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

Convention is a powerful force, honored in history, enshrined in law, reinforced by repetition, and subject to change only through constant, unstoppable pressure. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 12 Dec. 2024

The numbing, rinse-repeat repetition is still a grind. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024

Yet, given the subject matter, the repetition is more poetic than redundant. —Alice Gregory, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024

But on the flip side for the risk of overuse injuries, studies show there’s less variability between your steps on a treadmill, and that repetition may pose dangers. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 2 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing repetition

• incremental repetition

Kids Definition

repetition

noun

rep·​e·​ti·​tion ˌrep-ə-ˈtish-ən 

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