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

Once, during a demonstration outside a cafeteria, as police were about to arrest the demonstrators, Jackson suggested they kneel and recite the Lord’s Prayer.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

Guan Yin Citta describes its goals as encouraging "people to recite Buddhist scriptures, practise life liberation and make great vows to help more people".

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

Usually the kids from one grade recite a poem they’ve memorized.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

And tomorrow, once I’m clean and dry, I can recite my real apology.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

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