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

As questions continue beyond tax season, now is a good time for employers to reset expectations and ensure payroll and reporting practices align with what the law actually requires. —Fennemore, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026

The Powerball jackpot has reset to $20 million ahead of the drawing on Saturday, May 2. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

To a degree, the Heat have been here before, when there was retrenchment for an extended period in order to reset. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

Simple habits like sorting mail immediately or resetting spaces daily can prevent gradual buildup. —Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 29 Apr. 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