Traditional
Still common
Definition
A short morning break at school.
Example Sentence
"See you at recess, we'll swap lunches."
Where "Recess" Comes From
"Recess" comes from the general English word for a pause or break, adopted specifically in Australian schools for the mid-morning break.
It's distinct from "lunch", the longer midday break, forming a two-break school day structure common across Australia.
How Aussies Actually Use It
It's used exclusively in a school setting, referring to the short break between morning classes.
Kids typically eat a snack and play during recess before heading back to lessons.
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