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.
In the image, Justin — who shares the infant with wife and Rhode founder Hailey Bieber, 28— could be seen reclining on a sofa for a relaxing weekend as the baby snuggled up with his legs resting on his dad's lap. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025 Artists are centered in the room surrounded by audience members on the same level, who are welcome to recline on floor mats and cushions. Jane Levere, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Above them, burned forever in my memory, a sighing woman in white, legs bound, reclines on top of a pillar. Lisa Brown, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 An adjustable bed frame allows sleepers to incline and recline the angle of their mattress. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 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 14 Apr. 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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