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.
Instead of simply reclining backward, the seat moves forward and up, so your legs and back are slightly elevated in a more comfortable position. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026 The agency noted that the reclining seat may trap the person in the back seat, increasing the risk of potential injury. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Last July, for 25 days, Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase walked around the halls of Progressive Field, reclined his seat on team flights and sat beside fellow relievers in the bullpen. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026 The available Executive seats can recline up to 43 degrees and include powered calf and foot supports. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 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 8 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of recline for Spanish Speakers

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