What does reserving mean?
“Reserving” means setting something aside, arranging it in advance, or retaining it for later use or for a designated person or purpose. Someone may reserve a seat, reserve tickets, or reserve space for future needs. The word can also describe keeping control of a right or opportunity, as in “reserving the right to respond” or “reserving judgment” in a legal setting. These uses share the central idea of holding something back rather than making it immediately available or giving it away. “Reserving” is the present participle of “reserve” and is common in both British and American English, although “booking” is often the more natural term when arranging travel or accommodation. The word is useful because it applies across practical, legal, and financial contexts, from holding a place to preserving rights and resources.
verbSetting something aside for future use, or arranging in advance to have it available. It can also mean retaining a right, power, or opportunity rather than relinquishing it.
- To set aside or retain something for future use.
- To book or arrange something in advance.
- To retain a right, power, or opportunity.
"We reserved a table by the window, but the restaurant had already been fully booked."
"The council is reserving part of the budget for emergency repairs."
"By reserving his right to comment, the witness avoided answering the question."
From the Latin reservare, “to keep back,” reserving has long meant holding something for the right person, time, or purpose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reserving come from?
The word ultimately comes from Latin reservare, formed from re- and servare, meaning “to keep back” or “to save.” This developed through Old French into English as “reserve,” with the -ing form “reserving” becoming established as a verb inflection. Related forms include “reservation,” “reserved,” and “reservist,” while “reservoir” belongs to the same Latin root through a word meaning a place where water is kept.
Related word forms
How reserving is actually used
“Reserving” is the present participle and -ing form of “reserve.” In British and American English it commonly refers to keeping something for future use, booking something in advance, or retaining a legal or personal right. “Reserving judgment” is especially associated with formal and legal contexts, meaning withholding judgment until the relevant facts are known.
Easily confused with reserving
Reserving means setting something aside or holding it for future use, whereas preserving means keeping something in its existing or protected condition.
Reserving concerns making something available in advance or retaining it, while deserving means being worthy of treatment or reward.