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 Legislature was busy before the July recess, passing a $214.8 billion operating budget and setting up funds to pay future wildfire victims and clean up drinking water . — Washington Post, "Vaccines, guns, housing bills await California Legislature," 11 Aug. 2019 More than 200 House Democrats wrote a letter to McConnell earlier this week urging him to end the August recess and pass stricter gun control legislation. — Adam Edelman, NBC News, "Trump: 'Serious discussions' taking place on 'meaningful' background checks," 9 Aug. 2019 The shortage of parliamentary time acts in its favour—fewer than 30 sitting days are planned before October 31st (rebels are therefore seeking a way to cancel the autumn recess). — The Economist, "Can Parliament stop no-deal?," 8 Aug. 2019 But with a number of progressive groups vowing to spend the summer recess exerting pressure on the impeachment holdouts in their home districts, the dilemma facing the Speaker could be even more acute when Congress reassembles for the fall session. — John Cassidy, The New Yorker, "Where Do Trump and the Democrats Stand as the Summer Recess Arrives?," 3 Aug. 2019 McConnell met with first responders in the wake of that back-and-forth and promised to bring the bill up for a vote before the August recess. — Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, "From 'guttersnipe' to 'scalawag,' Jon Stewart's feud with Kentucky senators continues," 24 July 2019 That is why Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin requested that Congress raise the debt ceiling before the summer recess. — Anneken Tappe, CNN, "3 reasons to fear America's massive $70 trillion debt pile," 17 July 2019 Senate Democrats put her in a terrible position by joining overwhelmingly with the GOP majority in the passage their bill, giving Mitch McConnell leverage to force this bill through Congress before the July 4 recess. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, "Pelosi Bows to Conservatives on Border Funding," 27 June 2019 McConnell killed the House Bill & dropped this one right before recess to force passage. — The Washington Post, Twin Cities, "House passes Senate border bill as leaders cave to moderate Democrats and GOP," 27 June 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
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 2019 The family room has custom two-tone black and cherrywood plank flooring, fireplace with tile surround and recessed lighting. — Bang Staff And Correspondents, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Island lifestyle in Alameda is a dream come true," 2 July 2019 The interior features fresh paint, wide baseboards, updated dual-pane windows with plantation shutters, recessed lighting and high ceilings. — Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: Designer touches enhance the beauty of this Almaden Valley Pierce Ranch home," 12 June 2019 On the right, five recessed shelves hold two dozen ceramic sculptures. — Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, "‘The piece hasn’t suffered enough’," 6 June 2019 On the opposite side of the kitchen is a family room that features custom built-in cabinetry and recessed niche for a flat screen TV. — Monica Lander, The Mercury News, "Sponsored: One of a Kind: A contemporary showplace with inviting ambience and divine updates," 4 June 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\