Reserve

/rɪˈzɜr(v)/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A supply of a resource that is set aside or retained for future use.

The library has a reserve of rare books that are not available for checkout.

An area set aside for a particular purpose, such as wildlife conservation.

The national park includes a wildlife reserve for endangered species.

A feeling of doubt or hesitation.

She accepted the proposal, but with some reserve.

verb

To keep something for a particular purpose or to have it available for future use.

I would like to reserve a table for two at the restaurant.

To arrange in advance to have something kept for one's use.

They decided to reserve tickets for the concert well ahead of time.

To set aside or save for a specific use.

The funds were reserved for emergency expenses.

Middle French 'réserver', from Latin 'reservare' which means 'to keep back'

reserve judgment

To withhold one's opinion or decision until all the facts are known.

reserve one's rights

To keep one's legal rights intact.

in reserve

Set aside for future use.

reservation

An arrangement to secure accommodations in advance.

reservoir

A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.

reserved

Kept back for a particular purpose or use.

To hold a spot or resource for someone in an informal context.

Can you reserve a piece of cake for me? I’ll be there in 10 minutes.

To save something for later use, often used in a playful context.

I'm reserving my strength for the big game later.