English Reference
adjective · noun

recurring

adj. · n.
US /ɹiˈkɝɪŋ/ UK /ɹɪkˈɜːɹɪŋ/ re·cur·ring

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.happening many times or appearing again and again.

    adj.occurring periodically or repeatedly over time.

    Simple

    He has a recurring dream about flying over the ocean every few months.

    In context

    The company struggled to address the recurring technical issues that plagued the software after every major update.

    isolatedone off
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

    adj.describing a decimal number where the same digits repeat forever.

    adj.denoting a decimal fraction in which a figure or group of figures is repeated indefinitely.

    Simple

    One divided by three results in a recurring decimal of zero point three three three.

    In context

    The student failed to use the correct notation to indicate a recurring digit, leading to a rounding error in the final calculation.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency FormalLiterary

    n.the act of something coming back or happening again.

    n.the instance or act of returning or happening again; a recurrence.

    Simple

    The recurring of the seasons brings a sense of comfort to the farmers.

    In context

    The constant recurring of these themes in her poetry suggests a deep preoccupation with the passage of time.

Usage recurring role

Panettiere got her first soap opera gig, in One Life to Live, at the age of four, and went on to a recurring role into Guiding Light before she was 10.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

Researchers uncovered evidence that recurring, decades-long droughts likely made the site less practical by reducing access to the water needed to process large numbers of animals.

ScienceDaily· 11 Jun 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated