reset

verb

re·​set (ˌ)rē-ˈset How to pronounce reset (audio)
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 noun
resettable 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Following last week's invasion of the Carrie body snatchers storyline, an opening montage of Carrie click-clacking around her Gramercy Park townhouse in various designer heels resets the stage for a return to peak Carrie form. Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 June 2025 In phase two, vote totals will reset between the two AL shortstop finalists — last season’s MVP runner-up Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, and Wilson — despite the A’s rookie’s roughly 500,000-vote lead over Witt through the first phase. Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2025 As it was explained, however, their program developed with holistic wellness expert Dr. Mindy Pelz, utilizes individualized fasting schedules as a healing system reset, much like a computer restart. Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 And most urgently: Is there a way to reset the system? Siddhesh Sabnis, The Conversation, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reset

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reset was in 1628

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reset. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

reset

verb
re·​set rē-ˈset How to pronounce reset (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on reset

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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