recital

noun

re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsī-tᵊl How to pronounce recital (audio)
Synonyms of recitalnext
1
a
: a detailed account : enumeration
a recital of names and dates
b
: the act or process or an instance of reciting
c
: discourse, narration
a colorful recital of a night on the town
2
a
: a concert given by an individual musician or dancer or by a dance troupe
b
: a public exhibition of skill given by music or dance pupils
recitalist
ri-ˈsī-tᵊl-ist How to pronounce recital (audio)
noun

Examples of recital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Husband Julian gave out CDs of grand piano recitals from his stock of thousands to guests as party favors. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Young is a constant presence at his kids’ events, including gymnastics and dance recitals. — Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 Opening with a story instead of a resume recital invites questions, conversations, and more stories! — Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 The film’s story is said to follow a young dancer at an elite ballet school who finally earns the lead in a prestigious recital, but her focus is shattered by a family tragedy. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for recital

Word History

First Known Use

1536, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of recital was in 1536

Rhymes for recital

See All Rhymes for recital

Browse Nearby Words

recit
recital
recitalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recital. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

recital

noun
re·​cit·​al ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl How to pronounce recital (audio)
1
: a reciting of something
especially : a story told in detail
2
: a program of music usually given by a single performer
a piano recital
3
: a public performance by music or dance pupils
recitalist
-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce recital (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

recital

noun
re·​ci·​tal ri-ˈsīt-ᵊl How to pronounce recital (audio)
: a formal statement or setting forth of some relevant matter of fact in a deed or other document

Note: A recital is often preceded by whereas.

More from Merriam-Webster on recital

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