recline

Recline is a verb meaning to lean or lie back so that the upper body rests against a backrest or support. It can be transitive (to recline something, such as a seat) or intransitive (the passenger began to recline). The action typically involves a backward tilt rather than a forward bend, and is often used with chairs, couches, beds, and other seating or resting surfaces.

Originating from Latin reclinare "to lean back," from re- "back" + clinare "to incline," the word entered English in the late Middle Ages. The noun form recline denotes the act or state of reclining, and the adjective reclining describes objects designed for backward tilt.

In furniture, reclining chairs and sofas are designed to adjust the backrest to various angles and, in many models, extend a footrest. A recliner is a chair or seat that can tilt backward and often incorporates a hydraulic or mechanical mechanism. In historical contexts, some cultures, notably ancient Greece and Rome, practiced reclining while dining around a low table. In modern settings, recline is used to describe airline seats, car seats, and other seating arrangements that allow a backward tilt.

Ergonomic guidance commonly recommends varying posture and avoiding extreme angles for extended periods, since excessive reclining can strain the neck or back or reduce circulation. The appropriate recline angle depends on the task, support, and individual comfort. See also recliner, reclining chair.