1 (often reserves) a supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required:Australia has major coal, gas, and uranium reserves
funds kept available by a bank, company, or government:foreign exchange reserves
a part of a company’s profits added to capital rather than paid as a dividend:the bank built up a cash reserve of £2bn to meet any run on the bank once the loss was revealed
2a body of troops withheld from action to reinforce or protect others, or additional to the regular forces and available in an emergency:the men were stationed as a central reserve ready to be transported wherever necessary
a member of the military reserve:the army began calling up reserves for combat training
3an extra player in a team, serving as a possible substitute: [as modifier]:he was reserve hooker for the World Cup team
(the reserves) the second-choice team:playing in the first team has been a big step up after the reserves
4a place set aside for special use, in particular:
a reservation for an indigenous people:a reserve was allocated to the tribe on Bear Island
a protected area for wildlife:part of the marshes has been managed to create a splendid reserve full of birds
5 [mass noun] a lack of warmth or openness in manner or expression:she smiled and some of her natural reserve melted
a feeling of doubt qualifying acceptance of a person, statement, or plan:she trusted him without reserve
7(in the decoration of ceramics or textiles) an area in which the original material or background colour remains visible.
ზმნა
Universal
1retain for future use:roll out half the dough and reserve the other half
(reserve something for) use or engage in something only in or at (a particular circumstance or time):Japanese food has been presented as expensive and reserved for special occasions
(in church use) retain (a portion of the consecrated elements) after Mass for communion of the sick or as a focus for devotion.
retain or hold (a right or entitlement), especially by formal or legal stipulation: [with object and infinitive]:the editor reserves the right to edit letters
2arrange for (a room, seat, ticket, etc.) to be kept for the use of a particular person:a place was reserved for her in the front row
3refrain from delivering (a judgement or decision) without due consideration or evidence:I’ll reserve my views on his ability until he’s played again
in reserve
unused and available if required:the platoon had been kept in reserve
