What does reservist mean?
A reservist is a member of a military reserve, the part of a state's armed forces that is held in readiness for future active service. The term is especially common in the United States, where reservists may belong to the National Guard or another reserve component; in Britain it is also used for members of reserve and territorial formations. A reservist differs from an ordinary civilian because they have already undertaken military training and remain available for call-up or active duty. The word therefore carries a clear professional and military register rather than the casual sense of someone keeping a spare capacity. In current usage, it is mainly a label for service personnel rather than a rank, and reservists may serve full-time in certain roles while retaining reserve status. The term is useful because it identifies the institutional status of the person: readiness and obligation are built into the role. It also reminds us that modern military organizations combine full-time forces with a larger pool of trained citizens.
nounA member of a military reserve who is trained and available for active service when called upon. In the United States, the term is especially associated with members of the National Guard and other reserve components.
- A trained member of a military reserve who may be called to active service.
"The reservist reported for active duty after receiving orders from the national guard."
"Several reservists joined the regiment for its annual training period."
"The reservist balance was unusually high after the emergency call-up."
The plural is used when referring collectively or individually to members of a military reserve.
"The regiment called up several reservists for active service."
A reservist is not a raw recruit: they are already a trained service member whose unit can be called into active duty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reservist come from?
Reservist was formed in English from reserve and the agentive suffix -ist, a combination that appeared as military organizations developed formal reserves. Reserve came through French from the Latin reservare, meaning “to keep back,” “save,” or “keep in reserve.” Related English words including reservation, reserved, and reservoir ultimately trace their history to the same Latin root.
How reservist is actually used
This is primarily a formal military and defense term. It can describe personnel in several different reserve organizations, including the United States National Guard and British reserve or territorial formations; it does not itself denote a particular rank.
Easily confused with reservist
A reservist is a member of a military reserve, whereas a reservation is a booking, claim, or arrangement made in advance.
A reserve is the military force held in readiness, while a reservist is an individual member of that force.