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

Users enter the pod and recline into its comfortable seat. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Nov. 2025

Cinephiles and binge-readers alike can find ample neck and back support when reclined. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 29 Nov. 2025

Nauta Design updated the interior, while the yard created a new dinette lounge, where owners or guests can work or relax in seats that recline to induce comfort. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025

Buses, on the other hand, depart from terminals usually located in the city center, are air-conditioned, have large, reclining seats, and usually leave on time. —Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

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