The act of recalling to the memory, as ideas that have escaped; or the operation by which ideas that have escaped; or the operation by which ideas are recalled to the memory or revived in the mind. Recollection differs from remembrance, as it is the consequence of volition, or an effort of the mind to revive ideas; whereas remembrance implies no such volition. We often remember things without any voluntary effort. Recollection is called also reminiscence.

The power of recalling ideas to the mind, or the period within which things can be recollected; remembrance. The events mentioned are not within my recollection.

In popular language, recollection is used as synonymous with remembrance.