reset

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to set again or anew
reset type
reset a diamond
reset a circuit breaker
2
: to change the reading of often to zero
reset an odometer
reset noun
resettable 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 Half full: The Padres’ effort to dial back payroll in 2024 seems destined to reset the financial penalties as a multi-time offender under the Competitive Balance Tax. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024 Roku said customers who are concerned that their account may have been affected are encouraged to reset their password at my.roku.com. Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Mar. 2024 Inflation took off in 2021 as the economy struggled to reset from pandemic disruptions to supply chains and absorb historic levels of government stimulus. Rachel Siegel, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Expose yourself to bright light upon waking and minimize exposure before bed to reset your internal clock. Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024 Attempts to reset their passwords were also unsuccessful. Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 Time will tell where Brown logs his next as the Patriots reset under new head coach Jerod Mayo. Oliver Thomas, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Federal prosecutors had requested that Dor be imprisoned for 68 months, citing the gravity of his crime and his efforts to conceal his involvement in the conspiracy by resetting his cell phone before turning himself into the FBI through his attorney. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2024 Your husband has no interest resetting his default, for you or whatever else. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reset.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reset was in 1628

Dictionary Entries Near reset

Cite this Entry

“Reset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reset. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on reset

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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