preset

American  

[pree-set, pree-set] / priˈsɛt, ˈpriˌsɛt /

verb (used with object)

preset, presetting

1. to set beforehand.

2. to set (an electric or electronic appliance) to become activated at a designated time.

   We preset the coffeemaker to go on at 6 a.m.

3. to adjust (a connector, switch, or the like) so that when activated it will perform a designated function.

   The tuning buttons on the radio are preset to my favorite FM stations.

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adjective

1. set in advance.

   a preset radio adjusted to receive certain stations.

2. (of the guidance system of a missile or the course of flight it determines) set before launching to reach a specific destination without any alteration in response to signals from the ground.

noun

presets plural

1. a knob or button that activates a preset appliance.

   Just push the preset and coffee will be ready when you get up.

2. a similar device on a radio that can be activated to tune in a preselected station.

preset British  

/ prɪˈsɛt /

verb

1. to set (a timing device) so that something begins to operate at the time specified

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noun

1. electronics a control, such as a variable resistor, that is not as accessible as the main controls and is used to set initial conditions

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• presettable
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• presets
  plural

Etymology

Origin of preset

First recorded in 1930–35; pre- + set

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preset presets

Puts give investors the right but not the obligation to sell a security at a preset price by a preset deadline.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

Lagarde repeatedly said the central bank wasn’t on a preset path.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 11, 2026

Her face appears on tourist shop merchandise and, as she puts it with typical precision, even on preset Redbubble cushion covers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 15, 2026

Agentic AI systems require different infrastructure than a chatbot, which relies on preset scripts to answer questions.

From Barron's ● Mar. 30, 2026

If this is true, it would mean that the human mind is preset, in some primary sense, to generate more than just the parts of speech.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

The company said users can also choose from presets and suggested prompts to "spark ideas", as well as sketch edits directly onto images.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026

It's the simplest dry herb vaporizer to refill between sessions, features the largest oven size in its class, and has user-friendly presets.

From Salon ● Apr. 18, 2025

The valet might fiddle with all your presets, move your seat or adjust your mirrors.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2023

The unit features a timer and eight cooking presets in an easy-to-read, flat LED touch screen.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 7, 2022

I listen as Millie tells me all about changing her mom’s radio presets and pumping gas for the first time.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy