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

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Etymology

Origin of preset

First recorded in 1930–35; pre- + set

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

preset presets

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

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 11, 2026

It helps the studios too that these names come with "preset audiences" at a time when cinema is struggling against streaming.

From BBC ● May 29, 2026

BlackRock and other managers are growing their active funds in part through their model portfolios, or preset investment templates that money managers design for financial advisers to follow.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 4, 2026

These plans automatically execute trades when preset conditions such as price, volume, and timing are met.

From Barron's ● Apr. 24, 2026

Each day I was allowed to select meals from a preset menu of healthy, low-calorie foods.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

It’s student-athlete core, a mish-mash of choirs, electric guitar noises over pounding drums that all sound like keyboard presets.

From Salon ● Oct. 21, 2026

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

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

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