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

Congress is in recess this week after failing to fund the TSA.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The committee will next meet after the Easter recess to determine an appropriate sanction to recommend to the full House.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

But with no hearing date set, the appeal keeping Tillis’s blockade in place, and the Senate set to go on recess from March 30 through April 10, that window is narrowing.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

As he reached the first floor landing, the officer saw Bosh standing with his back to the lift doors in a slight recess.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

During recess, I always envied all the other kids who could climb to the top of the jungle gym.

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

Related Words

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