recline

[ ri-klahyn ]

verb (used without object)

, re·clined, re·clin·ing.

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

verb (used with object)

, re·clined, re·clin·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• reclination, noun
• reˈclinable, adjective

Other Words From

• re·clina·ble adjective
• rec·li·na·tion [rek-l, uh, -, ney, -sh, uh, n], noun
• half-re·clined adjective
• half-re·clining adjective
• unre·clined adjective
• unre·clining 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 appeared relaxed, wrapping a white scarf around his neck and reclining with legs crossed and a hot mug of coffee.

From Salon

The most balloon-like, airy element of this room is the plush bean bags, on which guests are encouraged to recline and relax.

From Los Angeles Times

Actually, she reclined for the interview, slipping off her heels and stretching out on a leather chaise under a waffle-weave blanket that she eventually cast aside with a grimace.

From Los Angeles Times

And this week a Hong Kong couple were banned by Cathay Pacific after tensions flared over a reclined seat.

From BBC

Cathay Pacific has banned a Hong Kong couple from its flights after their row with a mainland Chinese traveller over her reclining seat.

From BBC

Related Words

• loll
• lounge
• sprawl
• stretch out