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

The extended roofline gives drivers extra headroom, reclining seats, and interior storage behind the seats to keep tools dry and secure. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 11 Nov. 2026

Even just sitting upright set off the teen’s severe dizziness, so Hershberg modified a wheelchair to partially recline. — Nicole Clark, Time, 8 Nov. 2026

Minor refreshes will be added to other classes, such as an extra inch of reclining space in premium economy cabins, and new upholstery in economy class. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

Her husband, Daniel, reclines nearby in a tank top, scrolling on his phone. — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 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