recline

verb

re·​cline ri-ˈklīn How to pronounce recline (audio)
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 lower floor has a gym and a home theater, complete with reclining chairs and a projector. Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2024 The photo shows the 34-year-old cookbook author and lifestyle entrepreneur reclining against two cafe chairs and wearing a nude bralette, blazer and strappy white sandals, while cradling her bump. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 In ancient Rome, élites were permitted to recline at dinner, while children sat and slaves stood. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2024 On her Instagram, Swift posted a black-and-white image of her reclining across pillows. Beth Harris, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2024 For adjustments, the Drifting Series has a standard gas cylinder for height, a lever to recline the chair up to 135 degrees, and armrests that can be moved up, down, forward, and pivoted horizontally to one of three angles. PCMAG, 26 Jan. 2024 This chair checks all the boxes: comfy arms for nursing or bottle feeding, easy-clean material, lumbar support, and both rocking and reclining. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 18 Jan. 2024 Eve reclines nude under a tree while holding an apple, observed by angels overhead. Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Nov. 2023 Pillows scented with sandalwood, cedar and pine offer comfortable spots for visitors to read and recline. Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of recline was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near recline

Cite this Entry

“Recline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recline. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

recline

verb
re·​cline ri-ˈklīn How to pronounce recline (audio)
reclined; reclining
1
: to lean or cause to lean backwards
2
: repose entry 1 sense 2, lie
reclining on the sofa
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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