recite

American  

[ri-sahyt] / rɪˈsaɪt /

verb (used with object)

recited, reciting

1. to repeat the words of, as from memory, especially in a formal manner.

   to recite a lesson.

2. to repeat (a piece of poetry or prose) before an audience, as for entertainment.

3. to give an account of.

   to recite one's adventures.

   Synonyms:

   describe, narrate

4. to enumerate.

   Synonyms:

   detail, number, count

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verb (used without object)

recited, reciting

1. to recite a lesson or part of a lesson for a teacher.

2. to recite or repeat something from memory.

recite British  

/ rɪˈsaɪt /

verb

1. to repeat (a poem, passage, etc) aloud from memory before an audience, teacher, etc

2. (tr) to give a detailed account of

3. (tr) to enumerate (examples, etc)

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Related Words

See relate.

Other Word Forms

• prerecite verb (used with object)
• recitable adjective
• reciter noun
• unrecited adjective
• well-recited adjective

Etymology

Origin of recite

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English reciten, from Latin recitāre “to read aloud,” equivalent to re- + citāre “to summon”; re-, cite ¹

Explanation

You are showing off your ability to recite, or repeat aloud from memory, when you say the entire text of "The Gettysburg Address" or name all the past winners of your town’s asparagus eating contest. Recite entered the English language as a legal term but is now more often used in the realms of education, literature, and religion. Children in school may be assigned a famous poem to recite in front of the class or be tested on how well they can recite their multiplication tables. In many religious traditions, being able to recite passages of sacred texts is an important part of practicing the religion.

Example Sentences

His favorite after-dinner activity was to recite his poetry to the guests—often for two or three hours.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

But being ready for school involves a lot more than a child’s ability to count or recite their ABCs.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

I don’t know whether they can recite the language of the Fourth Amendment.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

Putin uses his hours-long TV marathon both as a forum for fiery foreign policy statements and to offer up all sorts of advice on love and family matters, recite poetry or promise to fix potholes.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

I listen to Baba recite the verses from the Quran, his melodious voice washing over me in gentle waves.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• chant
• communicate
• declaim
• deliver
• enumerate
• explain
• interpret
• mention
• perform
• recount
• reel off
• rehearse
• repeat
• reply
• speak
• utter