reset

verb

re·​set (ˌ)rē-ˈset How to pronounce reset (audio)
reset; resetting

transitive verb

1
: to set again or anew: such as
a
: to put back into an original place or position
The machine reset the bowling pins.
They reset the diamond in my ring.
I reset the trap.
b
: to put (a bone) back in the correct position for healing
2
: to change the reading of
reset his watch
reset the odometer to zero
reset
ˈrē-ˌset How to pronounce reset (audio)
noun
resettable
(ˌ)rē-ˈse-tə-bəl How to pronounce reset (audio)
adjective

Examples of reset in a Sentence

The machine reset the bowling pins. His broken leg had to be reset. reset the timer to 10 minutes The fire alarm was reset.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent strategy resets among global energy majors BP, Shell and ExxonMobil illustrate a greater focus on delivering reliable supply and ensuring that infrastructure can meet fast-growing power demand. — H.e. Dr Abdulla Saif Al Jarwan, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026 Analyst Erik Woodring said expectations have reset too far relative to fundamentals following the company's recent underperformance. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026 Compliance keeps the clock moving and prevents new problems from resetting momentum. — Charles T. Almond Iii, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Two years later Ward reset this in Miami, which marked him locally as someone to take note of. — Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reset

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reset was in 1628

Rhymes for reset

See All Rhymes for reset

Browse Nearby Words

reservoir rock
reset
resettable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reset. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

reset

verb
re·​set rē-ˈset How to pronounce reset (audio)
reset; resetting
1
: to set again or anew
reset a diamond in a new setting
2
: to change the reading of often to zero
reset a stopwatch
reset
ˈrē-ˌset
noun
resettable
-ˈset-ə-bəl How to pronounce reset (audio)
adjective
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