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

Most of the yolks feature the unenthusiastic visage of Gudetama, while brioche buns come stamped with the character donning a chef’s toque and reclining in its eggshell. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2024

Dressed in coordinating icy blue spring looks, Chung reclines across on a distressed leather couch as Bryan sweetly rests his head on her hip—and then devilishly presses his cold knuckles into her neck. —Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 9 May 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