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

• repeat
• replay

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

Repeat for 10-12 repetitions (reps) of the movement and perform three to four sets. —Jakob Roze, Health, 2 Sep. 2025

Members gain access to a global portfolio of stunning homes without the maintenance and repetition of owning a second home. —Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

The repetitions of Emery answers and responding with Bizot every time, Martinez’s deputy, were signs of his annoyance and symptomatic of how the uncertainty that had enveloped Villa’s summer was now permeating onto the pitch. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025

Settle in, and enjoy the repetition of swirling, pouring, and sipping. —Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for repetition

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

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