recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsī-tᵊl 

1

a

: a detailed account : enumeration

a recital of names and dates

b

: the act or process or an instance of reciting

c

: discourse, narration

a colorful recital of a night on the town

2

a

: a concert given by an individual musician or dancer or by a dance troupe

b

: a public exhibition of skill given by music or dance pupils

recitalist

ri-ˈsī-tᵊl-ist 

noun

Examples of recital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Frost is the president of the Hymn Society of the United States and Canada, giving recitals and leading hymn concerts throughout the country. —Del Mar Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025

First, the Canadian artist will play a solo recital for San Francisco Performances, with a program that runs from Haydn and Rachmaninoff to Stefan Wolpe and Frank Zappa. —Georgia Rowe, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025

Helen was an accomplished pianist who performed at music recitals and community and church events, in addition to working as concert coordinator and choral director before and after her retirement. —Angel Saunders, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025

The seven-level, multipurpose complex will reshape the city’s theater district and feature a 2,000-capacity performance venue, recital hall, music academy, office space, rooftop club, and Detroit welcome center. —Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl 

1

: a reciting of something

especially : a story told in detail

2

: a program of music usually given by a single performer

a piano recital

3

: a public performance by music or dance pupils

recitalist

-ᵊl-əst 

noun

Legal Definition

recital

noun

re·​ci·​tal ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl 

: a formal statement or setting forth of some relevant matter of fact in a deed or other document

Note: A recital is often preceded by whereas.