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

Max Christie reclined in his locker while a recent Grizzlies game played on the Lakers’ locker-room television. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024

In the video, Queen Bey takes some major sartorial inspiration from the great Pamela Anderson, which shows her in a platinum blonde wig, reclining in a Baywatch-esque swimsuit, and even sporting an approximation of Anderson’s iconic pink fluffy hat. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024

In the photo, Kardashian reclined on a furry stool while wearing a green slip with a white trim and a red bow. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024

Eilish is a little wiped out, reclining under an electric heating pad for period cramps. —Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 8 Oct. 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