(~s, reserving, ~d)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
If something is ~d for a particular person or purpose, it is kept specially for that person or purpose.
A double room with a balcony overlooking the sea had been ~d for him...
= set aside
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed for n
2.
If you ~ something such as a table, ticket, or magazine, you arrange for it to be kept specially for you, rather than sold or given to someone else.
I’ll ~ a table for five...
VERB: V n
3.
A ~ is a supply of something that is available for use when it is needed.
The Gulf has 65 per cent of the world’s oil ~s...
N-COUNT: usu with supp
4.
In sports, a ~ is someone who is available to play as part of a team if one of the members is ill or cannot play. (mainly BRIT; in AM, use substitute )
He ended up as a ~, but still qualified for a team gold medal.
= substitute
N-COUNT
5.
A nature ~ is an area of land where the animals, birds, and plants are officially protected.
Marine biologists are calling for Cardigan Bay to be created a marine nature ~ to protect the dolphins.
N-COUNT: usu supp N
6.
If someone shows ~, they keep their feelings hidden.
His natural ~ made him appear self-conscious.
N-UNCOUNT
7.
If you have something in ~, you have it available for use when it is needed.
...the bottle of whisky that he kept in ~...
PHRASE: PHR after v
8.
to ~ judgment: see judgment
to ~ the right: see right