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

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

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

The memorial ended with a second-line recessional by the Jefferson Street Strutters, who led the congregation out onto the sun-filled plaza to the sounds of jazz.

From Washington Post • Sep. 12, 2017

The drains alone are active, and on these Saturdays their noises sound a dull recessional to winter.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles