1
: restrained in words and actions
2
: kept or set apart or aside for future or special use
Examples of reserved in a Sentence
She is a very reserved young woman.
The front row is reserved for faculty.
Recent Examples on the Web
May is the most reserved of the four coaches, but lets his players get emotional on the court without trying to rein them in, trusting them to play under control.
—
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Add American cheese, remaining 1 cup cheddar, and reserved soaking water; stir vigorously until most of the cheese is melted (some small lumps of cheese will remain and that is OK) and water is absorbed.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Other leading Democrats are, for now, more reserved in their judgments.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
In a bowl, stir together the eggs, cream, half the cheese, cayenne and reserved shrimp mixture until blended.
—Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reserved
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Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Add American cheese, remaining 1 cup cheddar, and reserved soaking water; stir vigorously until most of the cheese is melted (some small lumps of cheese will remain and that is OK) and water is absorbed.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Other leading Democrats are, for now, more reserved in their judgments.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
In a bowl, stir together the eggs, cream, half the cheese, cayenne and reserved shrimp mixture until blended.
—Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reserved
Cite this Entry
“Reserved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reserved. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reserved
adjective
re·served
ri-ˈzərvd 
1
: cautious in words and actions
a reserved young man
2
: kept or set apart or aside for future or special use
a reserved table
reservedness
noun
-ˈzər-vəd-nəs
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