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

Part of the problem with the vehicle was that the company approached it in a traditional way, instead of resetting their approach adjusted to building an EV. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026

Many businesses downtown, forced to reset to the era of hybrid work, are exploring what changes might be needed to bring workers and foot traffic back to the city’s core. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026

Canada has sought to reset its ties with China after eight years of a frosty relationship. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026

Another click of the 7 o’clock pusher resets everything, hiding the rose-gold hands again. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 22 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