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reservist

American  
[ri-zur-vist] / rɪˈzɜr vɪst /

noun

  1. a person who belongs to a reserve military force of a country.


reservist British  
/ rɪˈzɜːvɪst /

noun

  1. one who serves in the reserve formations of a nation's armed forces

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of reservist

First recorded in 1875–80; reserve + -ist


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Rally attendee Chen Sharon, an army reservist, said she wanted "people that I can count on" in office.

From Barron's ● Oct. 25, 2026

Israeli media reported the reservist was later suspended from duty and an investigation launched.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026

Taking down the drone can sometimes take an hour, the reservist said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026

Drawing on his service as a Naval reservist, Campa-Najjar takes a cautious approach to military engagement.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026

On the outbreak of war he was recalled to the Colours as a reservist, and took part in many famous engagements.

From The Irish on the Somme Being a Second Series of 'The Irish at the Front' by Michael MacDonagh

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