🌍 American vs British · vocabulary

recess vs break time

A short break from lessons when schoolchildren can play or rest.

American
recess

“The kids ran outside to play during recess.”

British
break time

“The kids ran outside to play during break time.”

Good to know

American schoolchildren have "recess," while British ones have "break time," "break," or "playtime." In British English, "recess" more commonly refers to a parliamentary or court break.

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