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

The film’s White House is staffed with experts who speak Mandarin and recite North Korean missile capabilities on command.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

The Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday is from the sixth chapter of Matthew—the chapter in which Jesus teaches the disciples to recite the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Naveed also appears to recite a passage from the Quran in Arabic in the video, police alleged.

From BBC • Dec. 22, 2025

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’d memorized her question, practiced withNan and Wynn for about an hour, and could recite it as easy as I could my own name.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry

Related Words

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