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 quarterback’s current contract ties him to the Chiefs through the 2031 season, but there may never be a better time to renegotiate and create a new contract — a move that would theoretically allow the team to reset Mahomes’ cap numbers entirely. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2026

Rather than slowing disease progression, the approach aims to reset aging retinal cells to a healthier state using epigenetic reprogramming. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Feb. 2026

Since this area has probably been neglected during the winter months, a declutter can be helpful in the space and reset it for the upcoming spring season. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026

After an uneventful, not to say boring, season three in the Seychelles, the producers in charge of this circus have decided to reset. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Feb. 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