What does reservoir mean?
A reservoir is a place where water is stored in a large quantity, usually in an artificial lake formed by a dam, though the word can also refer to tanks and other storage systems. It serves a practical purpose by regulating water supply, generating hydroelectric power, or providing water for irrigation and domestic use. In figurative language, a reservoir is a large stock or source of something: people may describe a person or organization as a reservoir of knowledge, energy, talent, or emotional strength. The word is neutral and formal, with strong associations with infrastructure, conservation, and the management of scarce resources. Its extended meanings are useful whenever a subject is being treated as something held in reserve for future use.
nounA natural or artificial body of water stored in large quantity, usually behind a dam, or a container or system designed to hold water. By extension, it can mean a large supply or source of something valuable.
- A body or system of stored water, especially an artificial lake created by damming a river or stream.
- A container, installation, or network designed to store a large quantity of water or another substance.
- A large supply or stock of something, such as energy, money, talent, information, or emotional strength.
- A person or group regarded as a source of support, knowledge, creativity, or emotional resilience.
"The reservoir supplied drinking water to the surrounding towns during the long dry season."
"After several weeks of rain, the reservoir was finally filled to capacity."
"The young scientist seemed to have a reservoir of patience for the project’s endless revisions."
The regular plural is “reservoirs.”
"Several reservoirs around the region were monitored during the drought."
From the Latin for “to keep back,” a reservoir is both a physical storehouse and a metaphor for anything held in reserve.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reservoir come from?
The word entered English from French réservoir, a word derived from Latin reservare, meaning “to keep back” or “to reserve.” The Latin root combines re-, meaning “back” or “again,” with servare, meaning “to keep.” Related English words include reserve, reservation, preserve, and preservation.
How reservoir is actually used
The word is generally neutral and formal, but it is especially common in technical, environmental, and infrastructure contexts. Its figurative uses are often somewhat literary or metaphorical rather than everyday.
Easily confused with reservoir
A reservoir is a place or system that stores water or another material, whereas a reserve is the quantity held back or the act of setting something aside.