reserve (reserves plural & 3rd person present) (reserving present participle) (reserved past tense & past participle )
1 verb If something is reserved for a particular person or purpose, it is kept specially for that person or purpose.
usu passive
(=set aside)
A double room with a balcony overlooking the sea had been reserved for him... be V-ed for n
2 verb If you reserve something such as a table, ticket, or magazine, you arrange for it to be kept specially for you, rather than sold or given to someone else.
I'll reserve a table for five... V n
3 n-count A reserve is a supply of something that is available for use when it is needed.
usu with supp
The Gulf has 65 per cent of the world's oil reserves...
4 n-count In sports, a reserve is someone who is available to play as part of a team if one of the members is ill or cannot play.
(mainly BRIT)
(=substitute)
He ended up as a reserve, but still qualified for a team gold medal.
in AM, use substitute
5 n-count A nature reserve is an area of land where the animals, birds, and plants are officially protected.
usu supp N
Marine biologists are calling for Cardigan Bay to be created a marine nature reserve to protect the dolphins.
6 n-uncount If someone shows reserve, they keep their feelings hidden.
His natural reserve made him appear self-conscious.
7 If you have something in reserve, you have it available for use when it is needed.
♦
in reserve phrase PHR after v
...the bottle of whisky that he kept in reserve...
8
→
to reserve judgment
→
judgment
→
to reserve the right
→
right