1
: the action of receding : recession entry 1
2
: a hidden, secret, or secluded place or part
3
a
: indentation, cleft
a deep recess in the hill
b
: alcove
a recess lined with books
4
: a suspension of business or procedure often for rest or relaxation
children playing at recess
recessed; recessing; recesses
1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for a recess
: to take a recess
Examples of recess in a Sentence
Noun
The students play outside after lunch and at recess.
Do you have morning recess?
The Senate debates will continue after the August recess.
The Senate wanted to vote on the bill before recess.
Verb
The trial recessed for the holidays.
The judge decided to recess the trial for the holidays.
Recent Examples on the Web
Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2025
After his fall, the Senate remained in recess until 2 p.m., according to Mississippi Today.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
Angela Serratore, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
After the comment was made during the committee meeting it was temporarily recessed and neither alderman returned.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
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.
Noun
With the House in recess, many members of Congress have held town halls and attended other events in their districts this week, giving their constituents a chance to confront lawmakers in person to express their discontent about budget cuts and the layoffs of federal workers by DOGE.
—Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2025
After his fall, the Senate remained in recess until 2 p.m., according to Mississippi Today.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
The galley-style kitchen, off the dining area, has recessed lighting and stainless steel appliances.
—Angela Serratore, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
After the comment was made during the committee meeting it was temporarily recessed and neither alderman returned.
—Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for recess
Cite this Entry
“Recess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recess. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
recess
1 of 2 noun
re·cess
ˈrē-ˌses 
ri-ˈses
1
: a hidden or secret place
2
a
: a space or little hollow set back (as from the main line of a coast or mountain range)
b
3
: a brief period for relaxation between periods of work
recess
2 of 2 verb1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for or take a recess
Legal Definition
recess
noun
re·cess
ˈrē-ˌses, ri-ˈses
: a temporary adjournment of a trial, hearing, or legislative session
recess
verb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share