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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The reclining Buddha statue is one of the temple’s most notable features, and was likely created around the year 657, so the items could have been placed at the time of its construction. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025 Kravitz reclines on a Terrazza sofa by Ubald Klug for de Sede. Dana Thomas, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 2025 Traveling nonstop from Waukegan to Chicago’s Loop or downtown Milwaukee for as little as $10 while reclining in a leather seat on a luxury bus is about to become a reality this summer. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 The frame is made from a soft velvet fabric that’s extremely comfortable to recline on. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for recline

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recline. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on recline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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