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

Canine Bode reclines in his own seating row in Speedman's Jeep Wagoneer for the cross-country drives, which require an assistant to help keep the dog's anxiety in check. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026

By day, guests recline on chunky loungers beneath towering palms and oversized parasols and cool off in the petite infinity pool; by evening, the atmosphere shifts as DJs take to the decks. — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026

The leather reclining chairs at the front of the ship surrounded by shelves of interesting books and magazines is perfect for a day at sea. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Lopez reclined outdoors for a selfie that highlighted the detailed neckline of the same swimsuit. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for recline

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• brucine
• byline

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