reserve
en
en
Change language
Translating...
/rɪˈzɝv/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
Something held back for a particular person, purpose or later need.
Examples
Hunting is not allowed inside the reserve.
Despite my reserve, I voted for the change.
Could you reserve a table for four?
At first, I mistook her reserve for dislike.
I reserved a room near the station.
Meanings
Examples
We reserve a few seats for older passengers.
Please reserve some cake for Mia.
The company reserved money for emergencies.
I reserve Friday mornings for writing.
The last room is reserved for guests with children.
Similar words
save
set aside
keep back
hold
Examples
Could you reserve a table for four?
I reserved a room near the station.
You should reserve your seat before Friday.
She reserved two tickets online.
Have they reserved a place on the tour?
Examples
We have a reserve of drinking water.
The hospital kept a reserve of masks.
They used their fuel reserves on the last day.
It is wise to keep some money in reserve.
The country has large oil reserves.
Examples
The birds nest in a nature reserve.
We visited a wildlife reserve by the coast.
The new reserve protects the wetland.
Hunting is not allowed inside the reserve.
A small reserve was created for the rare frogs.
Similar words
sanctuary
preserve
protected area
Examples
Her family lives on a reserve in Ontario.
The reserve belongs to the First Nation.
A new health centre opened on the reserve.
The agreement changed the boundary of the reserve.
Many members live off reserve.
Examples
The coach named two reserves for the match.
A reserve came on when the striker was injured.
She played for the reserves before joining the first team.
The army called up its reserves.
As a reserve, he trained with the squad every week.
Examples
Her quiet reserve disappeared among friends.
He spoke with reserve about his childhood.
At first, I mistook her reserve for dislike.
The friendly welcome eased his reserve.
His reserve made it hard to tell what he thought.
Similar words
restraint
reticence
caution
Examples
I recommend her for the job without reserve.
She accepted the plan with some reserve.
His praise came with a note of reserve.
The proposal was greeted with reserve.
Despite my reserve, I voted for the change.
Examples
The painting did not reach its reserve.
The seller set a reserve of five hundred pounds.
Bidding started below the reserve.
Without a reserve, the car might sell very cheaply.
The auctioneer told us the reserve had been met.
Etymology
The verb came through French from Latin reservare, meaning “to keep back.” The noun developed from the same idea of something kept aside.
FAQ
What does it mean to reserve a table?
It means to arrange for the table to be kept for you at a later time.
Can reserve mean keep something for later?
Yes. A person can reserve money, time, space or supplies for a particular need.
What is a nature reserve?
It is land protected for plants and animals.
What does “in reserve” mean?
It means kept available for use if needed.
What are the reserves in sport?
They are backup players who can take part when needed.
Can reserve describe someone’s manner?
Yes. It can mean a tendency to keep thoughts and feelings private.
What is a reserve at an auction?
It is the lowest price the seller will accept.
What does a reserve mean in Canada?
It is land set aside for the use and benefit of a First Nation.
Comments & contributions
Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.