recess

American  

[ri-ses, ree-ses] / rɪˈsɛs, ˈri sɛs /

noun

1. temporary withdrawal or cessation from the usual work or activity.

   Synonyms:

   vacation, break, rest, respite

2. a period of such withdrawal.

3. a receding part or space, as a bay or alcove in a room.

4. an indentation in a line or extent of coast, hills, forest, etc.

5. recesses, a secluded or inner area or part.

   in the recesses of the palace.

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verb (used with object)

1. to place or set in a recess.

2. to set or form as or like a recess; make a recess or recesses in.

   to recess a wall.

3. to suspend or defer for a recess.

   to recess the Senate.

verb (used without object)

1. to take a recess.

recess British  

noun

1. a space, such as a niche or alcove, set back or indented

2. (often plural) a secluded or secret place

   recesses of the mind

3. a cessation of business, such as the closure of Parliament during a vacation

4. anatomy a small cavity or depression in a bodily organ, part, or structure

5. a break between classes at a school

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verb

1. (tr) to place or set (something) in a recess

2. (tr) to build a recess or recesses in (a wall, building, etc)

Other Word Forms

• nonrecess
  noun

Etymology

Origin of recess

1510–20; < Latin recessus a withdrawal, receding part, equivalent to recēd ( ere ) to recede ¹ + -tus suffix of v. action, with dt > ss

Explanation

Recess is a break from doing something, like work or school. Almost everyone looks forward to taking a recess — even if you don't have access to monkey bars. Recess comes from the Latin word recessus, meaning "a going back, retreat." You may have heard children talking about recess as their favorite part of school. This meaning of the word refers to the break in a school day for children to play, usually outside in a playground. As a verb, recess means to take a break at the end of a session — usually in a court proceeding: "The judge announced the court would recess until the following day."

Example Sentences

The Senate is in recess the week of May 4, and will likely hold a floor vote upon its return, which leaves a narrow window before Powell’s term ends.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

Moreover, the resolution would “prohibit elementary and middle school student device use during passing periods, lunch, and recess with limited exceptions for teacher-approved school work.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

The sharp axe of member-driven justice may not end there, as the House returned to a bevy of simmering misdeeds following its two-week recess.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

Congress is returning from recess on Tuesday, with the ethics committee planning to take up inquiries into both Swalwell and Gonzales.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

“Well, I heard school has this thing called recess, when we can go outside and do whatever we want. I’ll show you about jumping in puddles then.”

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• closure
• hiatus
• holiday
• layoff
• lull
• pause
• respite
• suspension
• time-out
• vacation