reserve

1 verb (T)

1 to arrange for a place in a hotel, restaurant, plane etc to be kept for you: Do you have to reserve tickets in advance? | I'd like to reserve a table for two.

2 to keep something so that it can be used by a particular person or for a particular purpose: reserve sth for sb: These seats are reserved for the elderly and disabled. | Reserve a little of the mixture to sprinkle over the top of the pie.

3 to use or show something only in one particular situation: reserve sth for: a tone of voice she usually reserved for dealing with officials

4 reserve the right to do sth formal an expression meaning that you will do something if you think it is necessary, used especially in notices or official documents: The management reserves the right to refuse admission.

2 noun

1 (C) also reserves plural an amount of something kept for future use, especially for difficult or dangerous situations

(+ of): reserves of food | an inner reserve of strength

2 in reserve ready to be used if needed unexpectedly: We always keep some money in reserve, just in case.

3 (U) a quality in someone's character that makes them not like expressing their emotions or talking about their problems: His characteristic detachment and reserve made it difficult to guess his thoughts.

4 (C) someone who will play in a sports team if one of the other players is injured or ill

5 (C) a price limit below which something will not be sold, especially in an auction

6 (U) also reserves a military force that a country has in addition to its usual army