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

The book has already elicited pushback from some members of her party and comes at a precarious time for Democrats, who are looking to reset after a crushing November election. —Caroline Vakil, The Hill, 23 Sep. 2025

Because resetting erases all custom settings, use this option only if restarting and other troubleshooting methods haven’t solved the problem. —Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

Here’s how to reset your space and your spirit, with authenticity at the center. —Essence, 23 Sep. 2025

The Broncos took full advantage of the chance to reset. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 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