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

But in the pint-sized alcove near the TV is a cozy reading nook with a large pillow and faux fur rug to lay on while reclining on other pillows. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026

This will provide the same comfort as a reclining one but look much more sophisticated. —Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2026

Animal Care and Control shared photos on social media, showing the dogs were seen standing and reclining in blizzard conditions, with no form of shelter or warmth in sight. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2026

Before treatments, guests can recline indoors with homemade lavender popcorn or enjoy sitting outside in the charming relaxation space filled with herbs and flowers. —Asonta Benetti, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 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