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 Here’s what to know about the service: The planes Model: The wide-body, three-class Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft will each have 354 seats across three cabins. Seats: Leather seats that recline flat will be provided to First Class and Business Class travelers. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2024 The two generations standing, reclining in lawn chairs or perched atop coolers in Zach Miller’s driveway and garage represent Mad Cow Angry Beaver, a competitive barbecue team with a rich legacy and several wins to its credit. Kimberly Winter Stern, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2024 What Could Be Better Large gaps in the design may stop you from fully reclining on it. Nor'adila Hepburn, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024 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

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 Apr. 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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