First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1reserve
verb re·serve \ri-ˈzərv\
: to make arrangements so that you will be able to use or have (something, such as a room, table, or seat) at a later time
: to keep (something) for a special or future use
: to choose to do (something) at a later time
re·servedre·serv·ing
Full Definition of RESERVE
transitive verb
1
a : to hold in reserve : keep back <reserve grain for seed> b : to set aside (part of the consecrated elements) at the Eucharist for future use c : to retain or hold over to a future time or place : defer <reserve one's judgment on a plan> d : to make legal reservation of
2
: to set or have set aside or apart <reserve a hotel room>
— re·serv·able \-ˈzər-və-bəl\ adjective
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Origin of RESERVE
Middle English, from Anglo-French reserver, from Latin reservare, literally, to keep back, from re- + servare to keep — more at conserve
Related to RESERVE
Synonym Discussion of RESERVE
keep, observe, celebrate, commemorate mean to notice or honor a day, occasion, or deed. keep stresses the idea of not neglecting or violating <kept the Sabbath by refraining from work>. observe suggests marking the occasion by ceremonious performance <not all holidays are observed nationally>. celebrate suggests acknowledging an occasion by festivity <traditionally celebrates Thanksgiving with a huge dinner>. commemorate suggests that an occasion is marked by observances that remind one of the origin and significance of the event <commemorate Memorial Day with the laying of wreaths>.
keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control <keep this while I'm gone>. retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss <managed to retain their dignity even in poverty>. detain suggests a delay in letting go <detained them for questioning>. withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go <withheld information from the authorities>. reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use <reserve some of your energy for the last mile>.
keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control. keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control <keep this while I'm gone>. retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss <managed to retain their dignity even in poverty>. detain suggests a delay in letting go <detained them for questioning>. withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go <withheld information from the authorities>. reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use <reserve some of your energy for the last mile>.
Rhymes with RESERVE
2reserve
noun, often attributive
: a supply of something that is stored so that it can be used at a later time
: a military force that is additional to the regular forces and that is available if it is needed
: an area of land where animals and plants are given special protection
Full Definition of RESERVE
1
: something reserved or set aside for a particular purpose, use, or reason: as a (1) : a military force withheld from action for later decisive use —usually used in plural (2) : forces not in the field but available (3) : the military forces of a country not part of the regular services; also : reservist b : a tract (as of public land) set apart : reservation
2
: something stored or kept available for future use or need : stock
3
: an act of reserving : qualification
4
a : restraint, closeness, or caution in one's words and actions b : forbearance from making a full explanation, complete disclosure, or free expression of one's mind
5
archaic : secret
6
a : money or its equivalent kept in hand or set apart usually to meet liabilities b : the liquid resources of a nation for meeting international payments
7
8
9
: a wine made from select grapes, bottled on the maker's premises, and aged differently from the maker's other wines of the same vintage
— in reserve
: held back for future or special use
See reserve defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RESERVE
1648
Related to RESERVE
- Synonyms
- continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, repression, constraint, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression
- Antonyms
- disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint
RESERVE Defined for Kids
1reserve
verb re·serve \ri-ˈzərv\
re·servedre·serv·ing
Definition of RESERVE for Kids
1
: to arrange to have set aside and held for someone's use <I called to reserve a hotel room.>
2
: to keep in store for special use <She believed that Sundays should be reserved for family activities. — Carl Hiaasen, Hoot>
3
: to keep from using until a future time <We need to reserve our strength.>
4
: to hold over to a future time or place <Reserve judgment until you know the facts.>
2reserve
noun
Definition of RESERVE for Kids
1
reserves plural : military forces held back or available for later use
2
: an area of land set apart <a nature reserve>
3
: caution in words and behavior
4
: something stored for future use <oil reserves>
5
: an act of setting something aside for future use
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