recess

American  

[ri-ses, ree-ses] / rɪˈsɛs, ˈri sɛs /

noun

1. temporary withdrawal or cessation from the usual work or activity.

   Synonyms:

   vacation, break, rest, respite

2. a period of such withdrawal.

3. a receding recede part or space, as a bay or alcove in a room.

4. an indentation in a line or extent of coast, hills, forest, etc.

5. recesses, a secluded or inner area or part.

   in the recesses of the palace.

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verb (used with object)

1. to place or set in a recess.

2. to set or form as or like a recess; make a recess or recesses in.

   to recess a wall.

3. to suspend or defer for a recess.

   to recess the Senate.

verb (used without object)

1. to take a recess.

recess British  

noun

1. a space, such as a niche or alcove, set back or indented

2. (often plural) a secluded or secret place

   recesses of the mind

3. a cessation of business, such as the closure of Parliament during a vacation

4. anatomy a small cavity or depression in a bodily organ, part, or structure

5. a break between classes at a school

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verb

1. (tr) to place or set (something) in a recess

2. (tr) to build a recess or recesses in (a wall, building, etc)

Other Word Forms

• nonrecess noun

Etymology

Origin of recess

1510–20; < Latin recessus a withdrawal, receding part, equivalent to recēd ( ere ) to recede ¹ + -tus suffix of v. action, with dt > ss

Example Sentences

The Senate, however, has already left Washington for a two-week recess.

From Barron's

The Senate, however, has already left Washington for a two-week recess.

From Barron's

Members of both parties are working to make progress ahead of a self-imposed weekend deadline, when the Senate is set to go on Easter recess.

From The Wall Street Journal

With no breakthrough in sight and Congress nearing a recess, officials warn the disruption could deepen -- leaving airports, and the wider system, under growing strain.

From Barron's

The air quality in Imperial Valley is already so poor that schools use a system of color-coded flags to signal whether it’s safe for children to go outside during gym or recess, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• closure
• hiatus
• holiday
• layoff
• lull
• pause
• respite
• suspension
• time-out
• vacation