recap

1 of 4

noun (1)

re·​cap ˈrē-ˌkap 

: recapitulation

recap

2 of 4

verb (1)

re·​cap ˈrē-ˌkap 

ri-ˈkap

recapped; recapping

: recapitulate

recap

3 of 4

noun (2)

re·​cap ˈrē-ˌkap 

: retread sense 1

recap

4 of 4

verb (2)

re·​cap (ˌ)rē-ˈkap 

recapped; recapping

transitive verb

: retread

recappable

(ˌ)rē-ˈka-pə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• abstract
• breviary
• brief
• capsule
• conspectus
• digest
• encapsulation
• epitome
• inventory
• outline
• précis
• recapitulation
• résumé
• resume
• resumé
• roundup
• run-through
• rundown
• sum
• sum-up
• summa
• summarization
• summary
• summing-up
• synopsis
• wrap-up

Verb (1)

• abstract
• boil down
• brief
• digest
• encapsulate
• epitomize
• outline
• recapitulate
• reprise
• sum up
• summarize
• synopsize
• wrap up

Examples of recap in a Sentence

Noun (1)

after a recap of this morning's meeting, we can discuss the issues that were raised

Verb (1)

please recap the highlights of the game for me

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2025

Chinese box office phenom Ne Zha 2 begins with a helpful recap for new viewers, and those already familiar with the franchise, to keep track of the elaborate tale. —Fred Topel, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025

Verb

On the new Pop Shop Podcast, Katie & Keith are talking all about Carpenter’s big week and recapping all the music moments on the SNL50 special. —Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2025

John Oliver devoted his Season 12 Last Week Tonight premiere to recapping and eviscerating the first four weeks of the new Trump Administration, saving his sharpest comments for the dismantling of USAID. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

by shortening

Verb (2) and Noun (2)

re- + cap entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1926, in the meaning defined above

Verb (1)

1945, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1940, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1941, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

recap

1 of 4 verb

re·​cap ˈrē-ˌkap 

ri-ˈkap

recapped; recapping

: recapitulate

now, to recap the news

recap

2 of 4 noun

re·​cap ˈrē-ˌkap 

: a brief summary : recapitulation

recap

3 of 4 verb

re·​cap (ˈ)rē-ˈkap 

recapped; recapping

: retread entry 1 sense 1

recap

4 of 4 noun

re·​cap ˈrē-ˌkap 

: retread entry 2 sense 2