1
: of, relating to, or involving recursion a recursive function in a computer program2
: of, relating to, or constituting a procedure that can repeat itself indefinitely a recursive rule in a grammar Examples of recursive in a Sentence Word HistoryEtymology
earlier, "recurring repeatedly," from Latin recursus, past participle of recurrere "to run back, run in the opposite direction, return" + -ive; in given senses as translation of German rekurrent or rekursiv — more at recur
First Known Use
1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of recursive was in 1934 Cite this Entry“Recursive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recursive. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Last Updated: 26 Jun 2025 - Updated example sentencesLove words? Need even more definitions?
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