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

• reclinable adjective
• reclination noun
• 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

Parents who plan ahead and bed-share more safely may avoid falling asleep accidentally with a baby in the most unsafe of situations — a reclining chair or sofa.

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The box is carved with scenes of the labors of Hercules, while the lid is decorated with monumental reclining figures of the deceased.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

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

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

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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