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 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.

Read more on MarketWatch

She turned and held the candle forward so that she might see into the dark recesses of the cave.

Read more on Literature

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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