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

That includes doing a run down through what is called terminal count, which happens at T-10 minutes, holding the count at T-33 seconds and resetting the clock back to T-10 minutes and running through it again to just under T-30 seconds. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026

Now, the president has time to reset, be honest and focus on the issues that get Americans to vote Republican, instead of giving them the middle finger. —Erick Erickson, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026

Tap Refresh Your For You Feed Confirm This resets recommendations but keeps your following list. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026

My presence would help reset the tone, add subject matter expertise, rebuild trust, and move the Commission toward productive discussions and decision making. —Andrea Keiser, Sun Sentinel, 13 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