reset

verb

re·​set (ˌ)rē-ˈset How to pronounce reset (audio)
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 How to pronounce reset (audio)
noun
resettable
(ˌ)rē-ˈse-tə-bəl How to pronounce reset (audio)
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.
With a new three-year deal worth up to $75 million and $51 million guaranteed, Robinson reset the running back market. — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 The momentum indicator has reset from overbought but has not collapsed. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026 Based on the message alone, Wayne has no reason to erase or factory-reset his devices. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 For Barnes, free agency offers a chance to reset amid another whirlwind campaign. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for reset

See All Rhymes for reset

Browse Nearby Words

reservoir rock
reset
resettable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reset. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ˈset-ə-bəl How to pronounce reset (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on reset

Nglish: Translation of reset for Spanish Speakers

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