recess

[ri-ses, ree-ses]

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 recede 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.

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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of recess¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of recess¹

C16: from Latin recessus a retreat, from recēdere to _recede

Example Sentences

If Republican leaders in Washington had hoped that a month-long congressional recess would help the Jeffrey Epstein controversy die down, this week's frenzy of activity has dashed those hopes - at least for now.

From BBC

As MPs return to Parliament following the summer recess, I took a tour around the building with her.

From BBC

Smyth, who previously worked as a modern studies teacher and has a wife and two daughters, could still contribute to debates and vote remotely when parliament returns from recess this week.

From BBC

The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body revoked Smyth's access to the building ahead of MSPs returning from the summer recess next week.

From BBC

White marble, grey floors, cold recessed lighting and open floor plans — call it “everything is expensive and nothing is beautiful.”

From Salon

Related Words

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