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

Several prominent business leaders have already voiced cautious optimism, seeing in Mamdani a chance to reset the relationship between City Hall and commerce. —Sally Susman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025

Frequently returning home to spend time with friends and family has also served as not only inspiration, but time to reset. —Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025

The time change presents a great opportunity to reset your sleep schedule. —NPR, 5 Nov. 2025

Visitors typically spend about 10 to 15 minutes in the sauna before stepping outside to let their body temperatures reset and possibly do a cold plunge. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025

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