WordGarden.ioreserve
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪˈzɜːv/
US
- /riˈzɜrv/
Meanings
Verb
to book something such as a room, table, or seat in advance
to keep or set aside for a later use or special purpose
Noun
a supply, fund, or extra amount kept back for future need
an area of land protected for wildlife or another special purpose
habitual emotional restraint or formality
More meaningsFewer meanings
a backup military force kept ready but not used immediately
Beyond the definition
To reserve something means to set it aside for later or keep it for a particular person. Think of a cozy table at your favorite restaurant: you reserve it so it is waiting for you when you arrive. The word is also common when talking about rooms, tickets, seats, or time. You can also reserve energy, money, or judgment, which means you keep it back until the right moment.
The word comes from the Latin reservare, meaning "to keep back." So whether you are booking a hotel room or saving your strength for later, the idea is the same: something is being kept for a future need.
The word "reserve" is surprisingly versatile, holding multiple meanings that all center around the idea of holding something back. It functions primarily as a verb and a noun, while the related form "reserved" is a common adjective.
As a verb, "to reserve" most commonly means to set something aside for future use—like booking a table at a restaurant ("We reserved a table for eight"), securing a hotel room ("I need to reserve a room with a view"), or holding tickets for a concert. It can also mean to withhold an action or decision for a later time, such as when a person reserves judgment until they have all the facts.
As a noun, a "reserve" refers to a supply of something kept for future use—like a natural gas reserve, a wildlife reserve (an area protected for animals), or an emergency fund ("We tapped into our financial reserve"). It can also refer to a group of trained individuals held in readiness, such as military reserves, or a substitute player on a sports team.
As an adjective, "reserved" describes someone who is quiet, shy, or does not readily express their feelings. A reserved individual might be polite but maintains a certain distance, preferring observation over active participation.
The root of "reserve" lies in the Latin word reservare, meaning to keep back or save. Whether you're securing future resources, withholding your opinion, or describing someone's quiet demeanor, "reserve" always implies a deliberate act of keeping something in store for later—be it tangible or intangible.
Examples
- 1
Restaurant booking
We reserved a table by the window for dinner.
- 2
Accessibility seating
The first two rows are reserved for people with disabilities.
- 3
Energy management
Try to reserve some energy for the second half of the race.
- 4
Financial buffer
The company keeps extra cash in reserve in case sales drop.
- Phrasein reserve
saved for future use
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Wildlife area
They spent the afternoon walking through a bird reserve near the lake.
- Phrasea bird reserve
a protected area for birds
- 6
Delayed opinion
I'll reserve judgment until I hear both sides.
- Phrasereserve judgment
wait before giving an opinion
- 7
Formal rights
The university reserves the right to change the schedule.
- Patternreserve the right to + verb
keep the power to do it if needed
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- release
- use up
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- reserve a table
- reserve a seat
- reserve the right to
- reserve for later use
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reservenounverb
Forms
- reservespluralnounverb
- reservedpast tenseverbnoun
- reserving-ing formverbnoun