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Added 7 October 2026

reserve

/ɹɪˈzɝv/ noun

In Latin: subsidiāriī, vēlātī Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about reserve at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A restriction. The act of reserving or keeping back; reservation; exception.
The book is on reserve.
The act of reserving or keeping back; reservation; exception.
The book is on reserve.
Restraint of freedom in words or actions; backwardness; caution in personal behavior.

verb

To keep back; to retain.
We reserve the right to make modifications.
To keep in store for future or special use.
This cake is reserved for the guests!
To keep in store for future or special use.
This cake is reserved for the guests!

Origin

From Old French reserver, from Latin reservō (“to reserve, retain”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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