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

The seats themselves can recline into two-metre long, fully flat beds.

From BBC

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

William Hanson, an etiquette coach and author, says it's a matter of choosing your time to recline your seat, which you shouldn't do during a meal.

From BBC

Check whether the person behind is leaning on the table, or using a laptop - and recline slowly.

From BBC

Several users said that it should be acceptable, given that the ability to recline is a built-in function of the seats.

From BBC

Related Words

• loll
• lounge
• sprawl
• stretch out