a supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required, an area of land set aside for occupation by North American Indians or Australian Aborigines, a person's self-restraint and avoidance of indulgence

on reserve, throw caution to the wind(s), make a reservation

reserve judgment, military reserve, nature reserve

Formal and Informal Expressions of reserve

In different contexts, you can replace 'reserve' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'stockpile, supply' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'stash, back-up' is a commonplace synonym.

reserve: Explore its Definition & Usage

reserve Definition

1a supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required
2an area of land set aside for occupation by North American Indians or Australian Aborigines
3a person's self-restraint and avoidance of indulgence

Using reserve: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reserve" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The company keeps a reserve of emergency funds.
Example
The national park has a wildlife reserve.
Example
He showed great reserve in his response to the criticism.

reserve Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for reserve

Antonyms for reserve

Idioms Using reserve

on reserve
held in readiness for use or kept in store
Example
The hotel had no rooms available, but they put us on reserve in case of cancellations.
throw caution to the wind(s)
to act without considering the possible risks or consequences
Example
She usually exercises great reserve, but today she threw caution to the wind and went skydiving.
make a reservation
to reserve a table, room, or seat in advance
Example
We need to make a reservation for dinner tonight.

Phrases with reserve

reserve judgment
to delay making a decision or forming an opinion about something until more information is available
Example
I'll reserve judgment until I hear both sides of the story.
military reserve
a military force that is not on active duty but can be called up in an emergency
Example
He served in the military reserve for six years.
nature reserve
an area of land where animals and plants are protected and preserved
Example
The nature reserve is home to many endangered species.

Origins of reserve

from Old French 'reserver', from Latin 'reservare', meaning 'to keep back'

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Summary: reserve in Brief

The term 'reserve' [rɪˈzɜːv] refers to a supply of something not needed immediately but available if required, such as emergency funds or a military force. It also denotes an area of land set aside for occupation by indigenous peoples or wildlife. 'Reserve' can also refer to a person's self-restraint and avoidance of indulgence, as in 'He showed great reserve in his response to the criticism.' Idioms like 'on reserve' and 'make a reservation' are also common.