recline

[ri-klahyn]

verb (used without object)

reclined, reclining 

1. to lean or lie back; rest in a recumbent position.

verb (used with object)

reclined, reclining 

1. to cause to lean back on something; place in a recumbent position.

recline

/ rɪˈklaɪn, ˌrɛklɪˈneɪʃən /

verb

1. to rest or cause to rest in a leaning position

Other Word Forms

• reclination noun
• reclinable adjective
• half-reclined adjective
• half-reclining adjective
• unreclined adjective
• unreclining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recline¹

1375–1425; late Middle English reclinen < Latin reclīnāre, equivalent to re- re- + clīnāre to lean ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of recline¹

C15: from Old French recliner , from Latin reclīnāre to lean back, from _re- + clīnāre to _lean ¹

Example Sentences

He reclines into his couch, one arm flung lazily behind his head, while the greens of his English garden sway in the waning summer light.

From Los Angeles Times

Raise your tray tables and your reclining seats, and fasten your seat belts.

From Los Angeles Times

You ignore it picking up while you make your nest: secure the corners of your blanket, adjust your umbrella and finally, comfortably recline.

From Salon

On the trade show floor, all manner of vendors were selling the latest popcorn toppings, reclining theater seats, carpet samples and a smart bar that said it would pour the perfect cocktail in four seconds.

From Los Angeles Times

Wayne sits in a reclining chair where he spends most of his days.

From BBC

Related Words

• loll 
• lounge 
• sprawl 
• stretch out www.thesaurus.com