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

• duplication
• iteration
• redo
• reduplication
• reiteration
• renewal
• repeat
• replay
• replication
• reprise

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

Start with lighter weights and higher repetitions to practice form and build muscular endurance. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 7 Feb. 2025

His first senior goals may not have been as eye-catching, but they were similarly steeped in repetition. —Art De Roché, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025

Its emphasis on repetition, rhythm and electronic instrumentation solidified its global appeal, uniting people across identities and geographies. —Joycelyn Wilson, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025

The door is covered in a Warhol-like repetition of Socrates faces; the blackboard is framed with more busts of Socrates. —Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 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

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