reset

American  

[ree-set, ree-set] / riˈsɛt, ˈriˌsɛt /

verb (used with object)

reset, resetting

1. to set again.

   to reset an alarm clock; to reset a broken bone.

2. to set, adjust, or fix in a new or different way.

   to reset priorities; to reset prices.

3. to illegally set back the odometer on (an auto or other vehicle) to a lower reading.

   a used-car dealer charged with resetting his cars.

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verb (used without object)

reset, resetting

1. to become set again.

   The alarm bell resets automatically.

noun

1. an act or instance of setting again.

2. an act or instance of setting, adjusting, or fixing something in a new or different way.

   A reset of relations between the two countries may be impossible. Company executives recognized the need for a reset in their business.

3. something that is set again.

4. a plant that is replanted.

5. a device used in resetting an instrument or control mechanism.

reset ¹ British  

verb

1. to set again (a broken bone, matter in type, a gemstone, etc)

2. to restore (a gauge, dial, etc) to zero

3. Also: clear.  to restore (the contents of a register or similar device) in a computer system to zero

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noun

1. the act or an instance of setting again

2. a thing that is set again

3. a plant that has been recently transplanted

4. a device for resetting instruments, controls, etc

reset ² British  

verb

1. to receive or handle goods knowing they have been stolen

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noun

1. the receiving of stolen goods

Other Word Forms

• resettable
  adjective
• resetter
  noun

Etymology

Origin of reset

First recorded in 1645–55; re- + set

Explanation

When you reset something, you start it over again or adjust it. If you accidentally set your alarm to go off at 3:00 am, you'll have to sleepily reset it for 7:00 am. You may like to reset your car's odometer before starting a long trip, so you can keep track of your gas mileage. Or, you might tend to reset your alarm clock on the weekends, so it wakes you later. You can also reset many electronics by essentially making them go back to zero, or to a starting point: "I need to reset my cellphone to the original factory settings."

Example Sentences

To get him some R&R — rest and reset.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

But the White House account framed the day as a businesslike trade reset.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

The organisation described the decision as "incredibly difficult", but assured: "This is not the end of Carnival. It is a necessary reset to help ensure its long-term future".

From BBC • May 12, 2026

“Even if the war ends quickly, the economy will likely take some time to reset, and real wages may take a hit until then,” he said.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Neither of them knew how to reset the bear trap, and Nanuq was probably too smart to go inside it anyway.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

• readjust
• reconstruct
• reorganize
• reposition
• reshuffle
• revamp
• rework