recline

verb

re·​cline ri-ˈklīn 

reclined; reclining

transitive verb

: to cause or permit to incline backwards

intransitive verb

1

: to lean or incline backwards

2

: repose, lie

Examples of recline in a Sentence

She was reclining on the sofa, watching TV.

The theater has reclining seats.

He reclined his seat so that he could nap more comfortably.

Recent Examples on the Web

The carbon buckets don’t recline much and are mounted high enough in the cabin that the top of the windshield frame will block a straight line of sight for taller drivers. —Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024

The business class cabin features a 25-inch-wide chair that can be reclined into a two-meter-long bed. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

The adjustable headrest is also a nice touch when reclining or just leaning back. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024

Swinton reclines in bed in a bright red jacket and bold blue pants, while Moore comes in wearing a burgundy coat and carrying a navy intrecciato bag. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French recliner, from Latin reclinare, from re- + clinare to bend — more at lean

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

recline

verb

re·​cline ri-ˈklīn 

reclined; reclining

1

: to lean or cause to lean backwards

2

: repose entry 1 sense 2, lie

reclining on the sofa