reset

[ verb ree-set; noun ree-set ]

/ verb riˈsɛt; noun ˈriˌsɛt /

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See synonyms for: reset / resets / resetting on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), re·set, re·set·ting.

to set again: to reset an alarm clock; to reset a broken bone.

to set, adjust, or fix in a new or different way: to reset priorities; to reset prices.

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.

verb (used without object), re·set, re·set·ting.

to become set again: The alarm bell resets automatically.

noun

an act or instance of setting again.

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.

something that is set again.

a plant that is replanted.

a device used in resetting an instrument or control mechanism.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of reset

First recorded in 1645–55; re- + set

OTHER WORDS FROM reset

re·set·ta·ble, adjectivere·set·ter, noun

Words nearby reset

reserve price, reserve tranche, reservist, reservoir, reservoir rock, reset, resettle, resettlement, res gestae, resh, reshape

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use reset in a sentence

The result is a chance for an early reset with a trip to Pittsburgh looming Sunday.
For first time in three weeks, Capitals could be at full strength Sunday|Samantha Pell|February 11, 2021|Washington Post
A 30-minute run would be the perfect reset, but it’s 35 degrees and windy.
5 Pieces of Gear That Help Me Stay Active During Winter|Jakob Schiller|February 11, 2021|Outside Online
If you’re dealing with a MacBook, get it charging before starting the reset, so a dead battery doesn’t interrupt it.
How to reset your devices without losing everything|David Nield|January 28, 2021|Popular-Science
If you think your phone might have been compromised in some way, make sure you back up all of your data first, then perform a full reset.
Here’s your checklist for maximum smartphone security|David Nield|January 21, 2021|Popular-Science

Darche pinned his hope on a reset he expects the new matrix to bring.
Still Can’t Breathe|by Topher Sanders, ProPublica, and Yoav Gonen, THE CITY, video by Lucas Waldron, ProPublica|January 21, 2021|ProPublica
As one national Republican strategist told The Daily Beast, the race “reset” when Moulton won the primary in September.
The GOP’s Great Gay Hope Hits Trouble|Ben Jacobs|October 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“A referendum on self-determination is necessary to reset the relationship between Catalonia and Spain,” according to the site.
Europe’s Secession Panic|Barbie Latza Nadeau|September 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then he realized that he had hit button to reset all terminals, located right next to the button to reset one terminal.
The Intern Who Birthed The KAL007 Conspiracy Theories|Tim Mak|September 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“It was like a reset…I could have my vacation away from Chris,” she says.
The Woman Stuck in a Navy SEAL's Body|Nina Strochlic|September 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Our first episode will really hang a lantern on everything being reset, and they just go right back to who they were.
'Archer Creator Adam Reed on 'Vice,' Season 6's 'Unreboot,' and New Characters|Marlow Stern|August 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
These two reset the switches for the main track, leaving everything as they had found it, and then crossed over to the auto.
The Wreckers|Francis Lynde
After her absence in that apartment long enough to reset the trap, he was startled by a scream from the same quarter.
The Well-Beloved|Thomas Hardy
As he was wakeful and restless he again arose, proceeded to the kitchen with a light, and removing the mouse reset the trap.
The Well-Beloved|Thomas Hardy
She soon had it cleaned and the bulbs reset, and it was not long before there were flowers for every month in the year.
The American Country Girl|Martha Foote Crow
Afterwards they would see how he reset the trap, and then backed away, removing every possible evidence of his presence.
The Banner Boy Scouts Snowbound|George A. Warren

British Dictionary definitions for reset (1 of 2)

reset¹

verb (riːˈsɛt) -sets, -setting or -set (tr)

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

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

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

noun (ˈriːˌsɛt)

the act or an instance of setting again

a thing that is set again

a plant that has been recently transplanted

a device for resetting instruments, controls, etc

Derived forms of reset

resetter, noun

British Dictionary definitions for reset (2 of 2)

reset²

/ Scot /

verb (riːˈsɛt) -sets, -setting or -set

to receive or handle goods knowing they have been stolen

noun (ˈriːˌsɛt)

the receiving of stolen goods

Derived forms of reset

resetter, noun

Word Origin for reset

C14: from Old French receter, from Latin receptāre, from recipere to receive

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

reset

Origin of reset

OTHER WORDS FROM reset

Words nearby reset

Words related to reset

How to use reset in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for reset (1 of 2)

Derived forms of reset

British Dictionary definitions for reset (2 of 2)

Derived forms of reset

Word Origin for reset