recessional

American  

[ri-sesh-uh-nl] / rɪˈsɛʃ ə nl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a recession of the clergy and choir after the service.

2. of or relating to a recess, as of a legislative body.

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noun

1. a hymn or other piece of music played at the end of a service while the congregation is filing out.

recessional British  

/ rɪˈsɛʃənəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to recession

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noun

1. a hymn sung as the clergy and choir withdraw from the chancel at the conclusion of a church service

Etymology

Origin of recessional

First recorded in 1865–70; recession ¹ + -al ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

recessional

The bride’s brother also played the keyboard during the recessional.

From Fox News ● Oct. 23, 2021

Her brothers, Sandy and James McIntryre, escorted her; Sandy, who would later lead a recessional while playing bagpipes, wore a kilt.

From New York Times ● Mar. 13, 2020

A good “old school singalong song,” he said his wife’s family introduced it to him, and the couple used it as the recessional song at their wedding.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 14, 2019

The recessional music will be Frank Sinatra’s signature song, “My Way,” paying tribute to a man who became known for following his own path based on his personal principles.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 30, 2018

Dr. Stanpole called to me on the chapel steps over the organ recessional thundering behind us.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles