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.
The chair itself reclines to 105°, 120°, or 135°, covering different moments from focused work to casual reading or gaming and deeper relaxation. — New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026 To be as comfortable as possible, dress appropriately for the weather, use bug spray and bring a blanket, a sleeping bag or a reclining chair to lie on. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 The seats are reclining, which is especially important for newborns, who cannot hold their heads up yet. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 Read on for more can’t-miss clearance picks, including a reclining loveseat, a three-piece table set, and a sleek storage bench that pulls double duty. — Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for recline

See All Rhymes for recline

Browse Nearby Words

reclination
recline
recliner
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recline. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on recline

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for recline

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