reserve
/rɪˈzɜrv/
noun
- A supply of something that is kept to be used when needed.
- We keep a reserve of canned food in case of an emergency.
- The country has large reserves of oil and natural gas.
- The bank holds cash reserves to cover customer withdrawals.
- A feeling of shyness or caution that makes you not show your emotions or opinions openly.
- He spoke with reserve, choosing his words carefully.
- The child's reserve melted away once she felt comfortable.
- Her natural reserve made it hard for strangers to get to know her.
- An area of land set aside for a special purpose, especially for wildlife or native peoples.
- Many indigenous communities live on reservations or reserves.
- The government created a marine reserve to protect coral reefs.
- We visited a nature reserve where elephants roam freely.
- A substitute player on a sports team who is ready to play if needed.
- The team has a strong bench of reserves.
- The coach put the reserve into the game in the second half.
- He was a reserve on the basketball team but rarely played.
verb
- To arrange for something (like a seat, table, or room) to be kept for you to use later.
- She reserved a hotel room near the beach for our vacation.
- You can reserve your spot in the workshop online.
- I called the restaurant to reserve a table for four people.
- To keep something for a particular purpose, person, or time.
- He reserves his energy for the final sprint.
- The museum reserves the right to close early on holidays.
- The team reserved their best players for the championship game.
- To hold back or not express a feeling or opinion immediately.
- He reserved his anger and spoke calmly.
- She reserved her judgment until she heard both sides of the story.
- I'll reserve my comments until the meeting is over.