reserve

The word “reserve” means to book or set something aside in advance for later use. In plain terms, to hold something back for later, or the thing being held back — money, land, feelings, or a spot in a queue.

“Reserve” is pronounced rih-ZURV (/ɹɪˈzɝv/ in IPA).

Here is “reserve” used in a sentence: “Please reserve two seats near the front.”

Words with a similar meaning to “reserve” include Territorial Army, TA, TAVR, territorials, terriers and reservists.

Depending on how it is used, “reserve” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “reserve” comes from Latin. From Old French reserver, from Latin reservare, "to keep back, retain".

“Reserve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Reserve” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to book or set something aside in advance for later use.

In the sense of arranging something in advance, 'reserve' and 'book' are almost interchangeable — you can reserve or book a table, a room, or a seat. 'Book' is slightly more common in everyday British English, while 'reserve' can sound a touch more formal and is standard for holding something aside for a particular person.

Yes. Besides booking something in advance, to reserve can mean to keep something back for later, as in reserve your energy or reserve judgment. As a noun, a reserve is a supply held for future use or an area of protected land, and 'reserved' can describe a shy, restrained manner.

You might reserve a table at a restaurant for eight o'clock, reserve two seats at the theatre, or reserve a library book so it is held for you. In each case you are arranging in advance for something to be set aside and kept available for your later use.