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

As the Bears tried to reset for a critical third-and-25 play from just outside Cairo Santos’ kick line, Eberflus did nothing to calm the chaos. —Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024

Given that, according to Google, some 40% of people in the U.S. either reset or replace their smartphones every year, this is actually quite a big deal. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Historically, Americans have been able to reset our outlook after elections and look toward the future constructively. —Terry Collins, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024

Rather, if you’re caught while sneaking, the objective won’t fail and reset you to the last checkpoint. —Andrew Webster, The Verge, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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