Synonyms

recline

American

[ri-klahyn] / rɪˈklaɪn /

verb (used without object)

reclined, reclining

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

verb (used with object)

reclined, reclining

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

recline British

/ rɪˈklaɪn, ˌrɛklɪˈneɪʃən /

verb

to rest or cause to rest in a leaning position

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of recline

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From 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.

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023