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

At the spa, Thistle, guests can reset on daybeds surrounded by stunning blue-green tiled walls, dip into the indoor saltwater pool, or enjoy the saunas and steam room—all entirely complementary with your stay. —Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025

My kitchen circuit is on the Smart Home Panel 2, so even my oven and microwave clocks didn’t blink or need to be reset. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

The manufacturer confirmed the issue and urged customers to reset the one-time password binding for all users as a precautionary measure. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 17 July 2025

Bondi has said the missing minute is the result of an outdated recording system that resets nightly. —Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 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