recline

verb

re·​cline ri-ˈklīn How to pronounce recline (audio)
reclined; reclining
Synonyms of reclinenext

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.
Electric stoves were placed on wooden dining tables, reclining chairs, and wardrobes, transmitting heat into glass distillers and condensers. —Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024 The rear seat slides fore and aft and reclines for comfort. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Oct. 2024 The living area can also be configured as a TV room, complete with reclining couch seats and a home theater system. —New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024 Beside the entrance is a cast-iron sculpture of a reclining man by Anthony Gormley while the lobby is dominated by a giant Richard Prince Cowboy image. —Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near recline

reclination

recline

recliner

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Recline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recline. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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