reserve
♦♦ re|serve /rɪz'ɜːrv/ (reserves reserving reserved)
1 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed for n
If something is reserved for a particular person or purpose, it is kept specially for that person or purpose.
A double room with a balcony overlooking the sea had been reserved for him...
= set aside
2 [VERB] V n
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...
3 [N-COUNT] usu with supp
A reserve is a supply of something that is available for use when it is needed.
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; in AM, use substitute)
He ended up as a reserve, but still qualified for a team gold medal.
= substitute
5 [N-COUNT] usu supp N
A nature reserve is an area of land where the animals, birds, and plants are officially protected.
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 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you have something in reserve, you have it available for use when it is needed.
...the bottle of whisky that he kept in reserve...
8
to reserve judgment: see judgment
to reserve the right: see rightgame re|serve (game reserves)
[N-COUNT]
A game reserve is a large area of land, especially in Africa, where wild animals can live safely.
= game parkre|serve price (reserve prices)
[N-COUNT]
A reserve price is the lowest price which is acceptable to the owner of property being auctioned or sold. (BRIT BUSINESS)
1 [VERB] usu passive, be V-ed for n
If something is reserved for a particular person or purpose, it is kept specially for that person or purpose.
A double room with a balcony overlooking the sea had been reserved for him...
= set aside
2 [VERB] V n
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...
3 [N-COUNT] usu with supp
A reserve is a supply of something that is available for use when it is needed.
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; in AM, use substitute)
He ended up as a reserve, but still qualified for a team gold medal.
= substitute
5 [N-COUNT] usu supp N
A nature reserve is an area of land where the animals, birds, and plants are officially protected.
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 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you have something in reserve, you have it available for use when it is needed.
...the bottle of whisky that he kept in reserve...
8
to reserve judgment: see judgment
to reserve the right: see rightgame re|serve (game reserves)
[N-COUNT]
A game reserve is a large area of land, especially in Africa, where wild animals can live safely.
= game parkre|serve price (reserve prices)
[N-COUNT]
A reserve price is the lowest price which is acceptable to the owner of property being auctioned or sold. (BRIT BUSINESS)