RESERVE | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Middle English: from Old French reserver, from Latin reservare ‘keep back’, from re- ‘back’ + servare ‘to keep’

retain for future use

retain for future use

• roll out half the dough and reserve the other half

arrange for (a room, seat, ticket, etc.) to be kept for the use of a particular person

arrange for (room, seat, ticket, etc.) to be kept for use of particular person

• a place was reserved for her in the front row

refrain from delivering (a judgement or decision) without due consideration or evidence

refrain from delivering judgement or decision without due consideration or evidence

• I'll reserve my views on his ability until he's played again

a supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required

supply of commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required

• Australia has major coal, gas, and uranium reserves

a body of troops withheld from action to reinforce or protect others, or additional to the regular forces and available in an emergency

body of troops withheld from action to reinforce or protect others

• the men were stationed as a central reserve ready to be transported wherever necessary

an extra player who is a possible substitute in a team

extra player in team, serving as possible substitute

• he was reserve hooker for the World Cup team

a place set aside for special use.

place set aside for special use

a lack of warmth or openness in manner or expression

lack of warmth or openness in manner or expression

• she smiled and some of her natural reserve melted

(in the decoration of ceramics or textiles) an area in which the original material or background colour remains visible.

area in which original material or background colour remains visible