recitative
noun
rec·i·ta·tive
ˌre-sə-tə-ˈtēv 
ˌre-stə-
1
: a rhythmically free vocal style that imitates the natural inflections of speech and that is used for dialogue and narrative in operas and oratorios
also
: a passage to be delivered in this style
recitative
adjective
Examples of recitative in a Sentence
the second recitative of Act II
The opera made use of recitative.
Recent Examples on the Web
Librettists supplied composers with heaps of verse for arias and other vocal numbers, alongside chunks of prose recitative that allowed for interstitial exposition.
—
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024
French opera at the end of the 17th century had not yet become codified with recitatives and arias.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2023
Even in a simple recitative, said Ludwig, a world of understanding was in her voice.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 29 Nov. 2023
This was aided by Nelsons’s crisp conducting and the occasional arpeggio from a harpsichord in the recitatives.
—Jeremy Yudkin, BostonGlobe.com, 17 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for recitative 
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 29 July 2024
French opera at the end of the 17th century had not yet become codified with recitatives and arias.
—Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2023
Even in a simple recitative, said Ludwig, a world of understanding was in her voice.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 29 Nov. 2023
This was aided by Nelsons’s crisp conducting and the occasional arpeggio from a harpsichord in the recitatives.
—Jeremy Yudkin, BostonGlobe.com, 17 July 2023
See all Example Sentences for recitative
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recitative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near recitative
Cite this Entry
“Recitative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recitative. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
recitative
noun
rec·i·ta·tive
ˌres-(ə-)tə-ˈtēv
: a style of singing without a fixed rhythm that imitates speech and is used sometimes in operas and oratorios
also
: a passage in this style
recitative
adjective
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