Reserve: meaning, definitions and examples

Utilize when setting aside something for future use or ensuring availability, particularly with general or less formal arrangements.

• We need to reserve a table for dinner tonight.
• She decided to reserve her opinion until she had more information.

Commonly used in travel, hospitality, and entertainment industries to secure tickets, accommodations, or services.

• Our flight booking was confirmed last night.
• She handled the booking for the concert tickets.

Suitable for formal or structured commitments, often in travel, dining, and hospitality, ensuring a spot or place is held for someone.

• We made a reservation at the hotel for our trip.
• You need a reservation to dine at this exclusive restaurant.

Appropriate for scheduling a specific time for a meeting or event, often involving professional contexts like medical, business, or personal meetings.

• I have a doctor's appointment at 3 PM.
• Let's set up an appointment to discuss the project.

This word can also mean an area protected for a specific purpose, but it has additional meanings including setting aside resources or holding back emotions. Here, the focus is on its use similar to 'preserve' or 'sanctuary'.

• They set up a game reserve to protect endangered species
• The forest reserve is crucial for the ecosystem's health

Implies a place of safety and protection, often used in a context where animals or people are given refuge and protection from harm.

• The animal sanctuary rescues and cares for injured wildlife
• During the storm, the church served as a sanctuary for the homeless

Often used to describe an area where natural resources or wildlife are protected and maintained, typically with a focus on conservation.

• The wildlife preserve is off-limits to hunters
• Scientists are studying the plants in the nature preserve

Usually refers to a large public green space in an urban or suburban area designed for recreation and leisure.

• They had a picnic in the city park
• The children played at the playground in the park

When you need to keep something specifically for a particular purpose or person in the future.

• We need to reserve a table at the restaurant.
• She will reserve a room for the meeting.

When you want to keep something aside to use later, especially for future needs or emergencies.

• You should save money for unexpected expenses.
• I save my documents to the cloud for easy access.

When you are putting something apart temporarily or for a special purpose, often suggesting intentionality and planning.

• Please set aside some time for exercise every day.
• We need to set aside our differences and work together.

When you are distributing resources, time, or tasks in a planned and organized manner.

• The manager will allocate funds for the new project.
• Teachers need to allocate equal time for each student.