recite

UK: /rɪˈsaɪt/ US: /rɪˈsaɪt/ ,(ri sīt′)

Inflections of 'recite' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

recites

v 3rd person singular

reciting

v pres p

recited

v past

recited

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

re•cite /rɪˈsaɪt/   v., -cit•ed, -cit•ing. 

1. to repeat the words of, sometimes from memory, esp. in a formal manner or in a classroom setting: [~ + object]
   to recite the Gettysburg Address.
   [no object]
   She stood up and began to recite.
2. to tell about;
   describe;
   provide details of:
   [~ + object] He then recited a long list of complaints.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

re•cite  (ri sīt′), v., -cit•ed, -cit•ing. 
v.t. 

1. to repeat the words of, as from memory, esp. in a formal manner:
   to recite a lesson.
2. to repeat (a piece of poetry or prose) before an audience, as for entertainment.
3. to give an account of:
   to recite one's adventures.
4. to enumerate.

v.i. 

5. to recite a lesson or part of a lesson for a teacher.
6. to recite or repeat something from memory.

• Latin recitāre to read aloud, equivalent. to re- re- + citāre to summon, cite¹
• late Middle English reciten 1400–50

re•cit′a•ble, adj. 
re•cit′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 3. narrate, describe. See relate. 
• 4. count, number, detail.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

recite / rɪˈsaɪt/ verb

1. to repeat (a poem, passage, etc) aloud from memory before an audience, teacher, etc
2. (transitive) to give a detailed account of
3. (transitive) to enumerate (examples, etc)

Etymology: 15th Century: from Latin recitāre to cite again, from re- + citāre to summon; see cite

reˈcitable adjective

reˈciter noun