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.

---

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

---

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

Their advice is to establish explicit, preset triggers for when reserves get released.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 11, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Apr. 24, 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

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

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