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

Filippo Gorini, an Italian pianist, played a recital: that review is here. —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024

The pianist Igor Levit broadcast recitals from his living room. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 16 Oct. 2024

Bloomsdays around the world feature marathon recitals of Joyce’s whole text that often run well upwards of 24 hours, and, in the post-show discussion, Collins, perhaps also with Gatz ever in his peripheral vision, acknowledged the temptation of such a feat. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 June 2024

For example, if a child participated in a piano recital—and practiced every day, saw improvements, and managed to tackle a difficult piece—a high level of praise is appropriate. —Wayne Parker, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024

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.