What does recliner mean?
A recliner is a chair whose back can be tilted or lowered so that the sitter can lean back comfortably, often with a footrest that supports the legs. It is especially associated with living rooms, home entertainment, and relaxation, although recliners are also used in hospitals, aircraft, and other settings where adjustable seating is useful. The word is common in both British and American English, though it is particularly frequent in American household and furniture contexts. Unlike a general armchair, a recliner is defined by its adjustable or reclining position. In everyday use, it conveys comfort, leisure, and a relaxed domestic atmosphere.
nounA chair with a back that can be tilted or placed in a reclining position, often with an adjustable footrest. The term can also refer to a purpose-built reclining chair used for resting or relaxing.
- A chair with a back that can be tilted or reclined, often incorporating a footrest and designed for comfort.
- A person or thing associated with reclining, especially in specific technical or product contexts.
"He settled into his recliner to watch the match."
"The recliner was positioned beside the fireplace, facing the television."
"She adjusted the recliner into a nearly flat position and fell asleep."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"The store displayed several recliners near the back of the showroom."
A recliner turns a simple chair into a personal relaxation station, combining the comfort of a seat with the support of a bed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recliner come from?
The word derives from the verb recline, which comes from Latin reclinare, meaning “to lean back” or “to bend back.” The noun was formed with the suffix -er, indicating an object associated with reclining. Related English words include reclination, inclination, and declination, all reflecting the same Latin root of bending or leaning.
Related word forms
How recliner is actually used
The word is common in informal and domestic contexts, particularly in American English. It generally denotes a chair designed for leaning back, whereas an armchair is broader in style and may not recline.