# recess

/ˈɹisɛs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/recess
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. school break

noun · CEFR A2 · American English

a short period of time during the school day when children can play outside.

For teachers: a scheduled period of leisure between lessons in primary or secondary education.

- The children ran outside to play soccer as soon as recess started.
- During morning recess, the playground monitors observed a significant improvement in student social interaction following the introduction of new equipment.

Usage: Commonly used in North American English; British English speakers typically use 'break' or 'playtime'.

### 2. legislative break

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a time when a court or parliament stops its work for a short period.

For teachers: a temporary suspension of proceedings in a legislative body or court of law.

- The judge called for a short recess so the lawyers could talk privately.
- The Senate went into recess for the summer, leaving several key pieces of legislation pending until the autumn session.

### 3. an alcove

noun · CEFR B2

a small space created by part of a wall being further back than the rest.

For teachers: a small hollow, indentation, or alcove set back from the main surface of a wall.

- We put a small bookshelf into the recess next to the fireplace.
- The architect designed a deep recess in the hallway to accommodate a floor-to-ceiling mirror without obstructing the walkway.

### 4. hidden parts

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the deep, hidden, or private parts of something, like your mind.

For teachers: the remote, secret, or innermost parts of a physical space or an abstract concept like the human psyche.

- He kept his darkest fears hidden in the furthest recesses of his mind.
- Explorers ventured into the dark recesses of the cavern, discovering ancient rock formations that had never been documented.

Teaching tip: Usually used in the plural form 'recesses' when referring to the mind or deep physical spaces.

### 5. to take a break

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal · American English

to stop a meeting or a court case for a short time.

For teachers: to suspend proceedings or take a formal break, particularly in a legal or governmental context.

- The committee decided to recess for lunch and meet again at two o'clock.
- The trial was recessed until Monday morning to allow the jury time to review the newly submitted evidence.

### 6. to set back

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to build or place something so that it is further back than the surface around it.

For teachers: to set a surface or object back into a wall or larger structure.

- The designer chose to recess the lights into the ceiling for a modern look.
- By recessing the windows into the thick stone walls, the builders provided natural shading from the intense midday sun.

## Examples

- The children ran outside during recess.
- Teachers allow students ten minutes of recess to stretch their legs between lessons.
- The parliament entered a two-week recess to allow members to consult with their constituents before the final vote.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.