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

Use a reclining chair, bring warm clothing or blankets, and avoid using your phone to preserve night vision. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

The construction of the seat feels low and relaxed, while not venturing too far into feeling too reclined. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2026

The astronauts all emerged from the capsule on reclining cots before they were taken for their medical checks. —Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2026

Their coordinated movement with the backrest helps maintain consistent arm support as the chair reclines, reducing load on the shoulders. —New Atlas, 13 Jan. 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
• byline
• canine

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