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Reserve Definition & Meaning

reserve
noun
  1. formality and propriety of manner
  2. something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose
  3. an athlete who plays only when a starter on the team is replaced
  4. (medicine) potential capacity to respond in order to maintain vital functions
  5. a district that is reserved for particular purpose
  6. armed forces that are not on active duty but can be called in an emergency
  7. the trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
verb
  1. hold back or set aside, especially for future use or contingency; "they held back their applause in anticipation"
  2. give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause; "I will earmark this money for your research"; "She sets aside time for meditation every day"
  3. obtain or arrange (for oneself) in advance; "We managed to reserve a table at Maxim's"
  4. arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance; "reserve me a seat on a flight"; "The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family"; "please hold a table at Maxim's"

"Reserve" in song lyrics

See how reserve is used in real songs:

  • "Now Iraq has the second largest oil reserve"
    Cale Sampson — The Facts of War
  • "We all want to expand out right, but show some reserve"
    Diamond D — Don't Beg
  • "Everything up in your stash and in the reserve"
    Flipmode Squad f/ Buckshot — We Got Cha Opin (Part 2)

Usage tips for "reserve"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "reserve" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for reserve to find words that pair well.

Use "reserve" in a verse

Now that you know what "reserve" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

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Frequently asked questions

What does reserve mean?
formality and propriety of manner something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose an athlete who plays only when a starter on the team is replaced (medicine) potential capacity to respond in order to maintain vital functions a district that is reserved for particular purpose armed forces that are not on active duty but can be called in an emergency the trait of being uncommunicative
What part of speech is reserve?
Reserve is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does reserve have?
Reserve has 11 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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