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 Grayton Beach: The Relaxed Village with Nowhere to Be If a typical beach town is laid-back, then Grayton Beach is fully reclining—in a hammock, with an ice-cold margarita in hand. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2024 An Instagram post captures Gomez reclining on a green couch during the music video shoot, highlighting her impeccable accessorizing skills. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 23 Feb. 2024 There’s a movie room with a 10-foot screen and custom acoustics that is large enough to fit several rows of reclining chairs and that can be accessed by the home elevator. Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2024 The true water baby also loves doing aqua aerobics to keep fit and regularly shares snaps of herself reclining on the deck of a yacht or splashing about in waterfalls. Hannah Coates, Glamour, 11 Dec. 2023 Some of the bathrooms have dark clawfoot soaking tubs with gold taps and nudes reclining in oil paintings above, while other bedrooms have armchairs upholstered in deep greens and reds. Elizabeth Nicholas, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2023 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

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 29 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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