To recline means to lean or lie back in a relaxed position. When you recline in a chair, you tilt backward so your body stretches out instead of sitting straight up. Airplane seats recline so passengers can rest more comfortably on long flights. A dentist's chair reclines to help the dentist see your teeth better.

Picture yourself reading a book: if you're sitting upright with your back straight, you're not reclining. But if you lean back against some pillows with your feet up, now you're reclining.

Some furniture is specifically designed for reclining. A recliner is a comfortable chair with a back that tilts and a footrest that pops up, perfect for watching movies or reading. Ancient Romans even reclined on special couches called triclinia while eating their meals, though most cultures prefer sitting upright at the dinner table.

The word suggests comfort and relaxation. You might recline on a beach towel, recline in the back seat during a road trip, or recline on your bed while doing homework (though your parents might have opinions about that last part).