reset

verb

re·​set (ˌ)rē-ˈset 

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 

noun

resettable

(ˌ)rē-ˈse-tə-bəl 

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

The $100-a-month shock A sharp move in gasoline prices can reset a budget faster than almost anything else. —Bydoug Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

The extra week off prior to the NIT selection gave Illinois State a chance to reset. —Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026

The action then resets with a fresh square, the blocky white elements stationed at different coordinates and ready to march across the plane in a new pattern of recession. —Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026

The price cap resets at the end of June – and according to forecasts, the next is set to increase by 18%. —Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

reset

verb

re·​set rē-ˈset 

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 

adjective