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

The suspense heading into July has centered on whether the semis could cool off and reset without a messy liquidation that destabilized the rest of the tape. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 7 July 2026

For New Yorkers looking to swap the city for a few days of fresh air and slower mornings, a long weekend—or even a midweek escape—can be enough to reset. — Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

The latter allows the chronograph to be reset to zero and restarted instantly with a single push of the flyback button at 4 o’clock, meaning the wearer doesn’t need to stop and reset the watch manually. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 July 2026

Gaethje’s strategy in the fight was to consistently move left to counter Topuria’s pointed stance and make the Georgian-Spaniard constantly reset his approach. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1628, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reset

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• 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