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

Ole: Me as a kid, obviously, at school football in every recess or every break.

From BBC

The unit is located on the 10th floor and features a large living room with light-wood walls, recessed lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a private balcony.

From MarketWatch

MPs will not have a chance to press Lammy over the issue until Tuesday, when the House of Commons returns after a short recess.

From BBC

House of Representatives has been in recess for over 40 days.

From Salon

And, ingeniously, three ancient Roman pavement-mosaics, recessed, are now visible beneath traversable glass floors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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