English Reference
Noun

recital

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ɹəˈsaɪtəɫ/ UK /ɹɪsˈaɪtəl/ recital UK spelling recital's, recital's Law

n.a performance of music or dance, usually given by one person or a small group. It can also mean reading a list of facts or a story out loud.

n.a public performance of music or dance, typically by a solo instrumentalist or a small ensemble. In a broader sense, refers to the formal or repetitive delivery of a detailed account or list.


SIMPLE

She is practicing every day for her piano recital.

CONTEXTUAL

The students gathered in the hall for the end-of-year dance recital to show their progress.

COMPLEX

The witness provided a monotonous recital of the events leading up to the accident, showing little emotion despite the gravity of the situation.

Usage

Commonly used with 'give' or 'perform' in a musical context.

The recital closes with Britten’s O Tell Me the Truth About Love, a delicious party piece where she finally allows herself to have some fun.

The Guardian· 20 Aug 2026

From recite + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated