recess

[ri-ses, ree-ses]

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.

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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of recess¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of recess¹

C16: from Latin recessus a retreat, from recēdere to _recede

Example Sentences

The Hedgehog clears crumbs from the recesses of a toaster oven, the back of a pantry or that limbo area under the fridge.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Johnson has extended a House recess through the week, meaning Congress' lower chamber will not be in session to take up a funding bill should the Senate make any changes and come to a deal.

Read more on BBC

It’s unclear how long the government shutdown will last, and with the House in recess for another week, it will likely be awhile before any action will be taken.

Read more on Salon

“We’re going to recess,” he said, in a video of the board meeting that has since gone viral.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s not that Garrett is questioning survivors; rather, she’s examining all sides of a campaign for justice, and scrutinizing the cracks in our culture’s response to assault, recesses where ill-intentioned agitators can make themselves comfortable.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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