reset

American  

[ree-set, ree-set] / riˈsɛt, ˈriˌsɛt /

verb (used with object)

reset, resetting

1. to set again.

   to reset an alarm clock; to reset a broken bone.

2. to set, adjust, or fix in a new or different way.

   to reset priorities; to reset prices.

3. to illegally set back the odometer on (an auto or other vehicle) to a lower reading.

   a used-car dealer charged with resetting his cars.

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verb (used without object)

reset, resetting

1. to become set again.

   The alarm bell resets automatically.

noun

1. an act or instance of setting again.

2. an act or instance of setting, adjusting, or fixing something in a new or different way.

   A reset of relations between the two countries may be impossible. Company executives recognized the need for a reset in their business.

3. something that is set again.

4. a plant that is replanted.

5. a device used in resetting an instrument or control mechanism.

reset ¹ British  

verb

1. to set again (a broken bone, matter in type, a gemstone, etc)

2. to restore (a gauge, dial, etc) to zero

3. Also: clear.  to restore (the contents of a register or similar device) in a computer system to zero

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noun

1. the act or an instance of setting again

2. a thing that is set again

3. a plant that has been recently transplanted

4. a device for resetting instruments, controls, etc

reset ² British  

verb

1. to receive or handle goods knowing they have been stolen

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noun

1. the receiving of stolen goods

Other Word Forms

• resettable adjective
• resetter noun

Etymology

Origin of reset

First recorded in 1645–55; re- + set

Example Sentences

After losing at Brighton two weeks ago, Liverpool and Slot would have hoped that the international break would have provided the reset required before one final push until the end of the season.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

They have “seized on gold’s price drop, because this sudden retreat gives buyers the chance to reset the clock back before January’s historic price spike,” said Adrian Ash, director of research at BullionVault.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

On the other hand, insofar as inflation expectations can reset higher in response to commodity price shocks, the Fed might need to engage in tightening that they would otherwise look to avoid.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The lender’s small short-dated negative gap—where funding costs reset faster than loan yields—could help cushion interest-rate weakness, she says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“I want us to try and hit the reset button. Get a do-over. You’re both really important to us, and you’re obviously not here just for fun. You want to make this right too.”

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Related Words

• readjust
• reconstruct
• reorganize
• reposition
• reshuffle
• revamp
• rework