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

Fans recline on artificial grass and soft surfaces, sipping beer and cocktails all afternoon and evening. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025

Icy Repose by Sue Flood A Weddell seal reclines on an ice floe in Neko Harbor, an inlet on the Antarctic Peninsula. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025

My knees were in the back of the seat in front of me without the person reclining. —Soo Kim, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

As a result, EEGs are typically performed over relatively short periods of time in hospitals or clinics, with the patient remaining seated or reclined the whole time. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 13 Dec. 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