reclining

Everyday

1. Leaning or lying back in a relaxed way: «a reclining figure». tree →
2. (of seats) Able to tip back: «a reclining chair», «reclining seats on a plane». tree →
3. (verb) Lying back or leaning back. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life reclining seats are on coaches, planes and sofas; in art lessons a «reclining figure» is a statue or painting of a person lying back (Henry Moore's sculptures). Phrases: «reclining seat», «reclining chair», «a reclining figure», «reclining Buddha».

Examples

• Grandad fell asleep in his reclining chair. tree →
• The coach had reclining seats for the long trip. tree →
• Henry Moore made big statues of reclining figures. tree →
• The cat was reclining on the warm windowsill. tree →
• In Thailand there is a huge reclining Buddha statue. tree →
• Please put your reclining seat upright for landing. tree →
• "Here," said Noureddin, "let us pass the night," and reclining on the sofas they soon fell asleep. tree →

Note

Verb: recline; noun: recliner (a chair that leans back). Politeness: check behind you before reclining your seat on a plane or coach. Not the same as «declining» (going down, saying no).