reset

verb

re·​set (ˌ)rē-ˈset 

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

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

For Grossman, the lesson was clear: the right innovation at the right time can reset a brand’s trajectory. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

The countdown resets on the first day of the month. —Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025

More broadly, Putin sees a unique opportunity with Trump to fundamentally reset relations with Washington, and separate Russian ties with the US from the fate of Ukraine, a scenario that would also divide the Western allies. —Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025

Fold your blankets, stack books your and magazines, and basically tidy up the place to reset your home every night. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 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