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

The two sides framed Tuesday's talks as a way to reset bilateral relations following last month's explosive Oval Office meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy and Vice President JD Vance. —David Brennan, ABC News, 11 Mar. 2025

One effective way to reset your thoughts is to: Notice the thought. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

There’s something about taking it load by load that resets my brain. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025

Some research into circadian rhythms and exercise shows that physical activity can be another cue for your inner clocks to reset. —Sarah Boden, NPR, 9 Mar. 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