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

Electric stoves were placed on wooden dining tables, reclining chairs, and wardrobes, transmitting heat into glass distillers and condensers. —Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024

The rear seat slides fore and aft and reclines for comfort. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Oct. 2024

The living area can also be configured as a TV room, complete with reclining couch seats and a home theater system. —New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024

Beside the entrance is a cast-iron sculpture of a reclining man by Anthony Gormley while the lobby is dominated by a giant Richard Prince Cowboy image. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 23 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