recess
noun
re·cess
| \ ˈrē-ˌses
, ri-ˈ\
, ri-ˈ\
Definition of recess
(Entry 1 of 2)
2
: a hidden, secret, or secluded place or part
3a
: 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
recess
verb
recessed;
recessing;
recesses
Definition of recess (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to put into a recess
recessed lighting
2
: to make a recess in
3
: to interrupt for a recess
: to take a recess
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Synonyms for recess
Synonyms: Noun
Synonyms: Verb
adjourn, prorogate, prorogue, suspend
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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: Noun
The talks Monday came hours before a vote in Parliament that is expected to be the last before the House of Commons goes into recess for over a month. — Washington Post, "Ireland’s leader does Johnson no favors as the British prime minister seeks to unblock Brexit," 10 Sep. 2019 Labor officials used a four-week recess beginning in mid-July to consolidate opposition to any agreement watering down A.B. 5 for gig workers. — New York Times, "California Labor Bill, Near Passage, Is Blow to Uber and Lyft," 9 Sep. 2019 Parliament returns Monday for a high-stakes final week before a lengthy recess begins, and with plenty of pressing matters on the docket. — Rob Picheta, CNN, "Boris Johnson had a torrid week. Now he's fighting to take back control," 8 Sep. 2019 Following the August recess and Labor Day, City Council was set to reconvene Tuesday night. — Thomas Jewell, cleveland.com, "Two Cleveland Heights housing inspectors now gone after ethics probe," 3 Sep. 2019 Usually, prorogations take place during spring, and the recess that follows can vary in length. — Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, "The dramatic history of prorogation in British parliament," 29 Aug. 2019 Parliament is due to return on Sept. 3, and was only going to sit for two weeks before taking a three-week recess to allow MPs to go to their annual party conferences. — Robert Hutton, Fortune, "Boris Johnson To Suspend Parliament Over Brexit Vote," 28 Aug. 2019 The mayor then calls for a recess and security clears the council chambers. — The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive.com, "Activist who smeared his own blood on wall of Portland City Hall gets 2 years of probation," 23 Aug. 2019 Gardner has traveled around much of the state during Congress’s annual August recess, but his schedule is not public, frustrating constituents who have sought out opportunities to confront him on issues such as immigration, guns and health care. — Justin Wingerter, The Denver Post, "Nikki Haley warns of socialism as she rallies Republicans for Cory Gardner," 19 Aug. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
The largest bedroom is roughly 170 square feet, has two two-over-one windows, recessed lighting, a coffered ceiling, and a closet. — Boston.com Real Estate, "Home of the Week: The flooring in this 3-bedroom Cape is school chalkboards," 7 Sep. 2019 The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation voted to recess just minutes into its oversight hearing after Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration didn’t make some state officials available for testimony, citing its own ongoing investigation. — Washington Post, "Lawmakers suspend inquiry into motor vehicle agency," 22 July 2019 The stem of the switch was still visible, recessed inside the small hole remaining in the instrument panel. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, "How Neil and Buzz Almost Were Stranded on the Moon in 1969," 21 July 2019 Those students are sent out to recess two grades at a time, resulting in limited play space, Battaglia said. — Lydia Gerike, courant.com, "Elementary schools in Bristol, Southington could win playground equipment in recycling competition," 26 June 2019 The 1,894 square-foot three-bedroom, three-bath unit has many fixtures of a modern townhome: hardwood floors, recessed lighting and stainless-steel appliances. — Pueng Vongs, The Mercury News, "Photos: Ex-49ers star Frank Gore selling Santa Clara townhouse," 31 July 2019 Following the nuptials, the couple (and their notable family and friends) all released the same photo of the duo recessing from their ceremony, photographed by BAZAAR Bride Top Photographer, Corbin Gurkin. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Sophie Turner's Wedding Gown Took Over 350 Hours to Make," 8 July 2019 For years, Arizona parents have urged state lawmakers to step in to provide protections to recess time. — Ricardo Cano, azcentral, "Two recess periods a day will be mandatory for Arizona's younger students next school year," 5 Apr. 2018 Talks were recessed until a later date, the state said Monday. — Annie Zak, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska ferry workers have been on strike for a week. The effects continue to ripple throughout coastal Alaska.," 31 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'recess.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for recess
recess
noun
English Language Learners Definition of recess
(Entry 1 of 2)
US
: a short period of time during the school day when children can play
: a usually brief period of time during which regular activity in a court of law or in a government stops
: a dark, hidden place or part
recess
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of recess (Entry 2 of 2)
US
: to stop regular activity in a court of law or in a government for a usually short period of time
See the full definition for recess in the English Language Learners Dictionary
recess
noun
re·cess
| \ ˈrē-ˌses
, ri-ˈses\
, ri-ˈses\
Kids Definition of recess
(Entry 1 of 2