reserve

verb

• refrain from using or disposing of (something); retain for future use:roll out half the dough and reserve the other half
• arrange for (a room, seat, ticket, etc.) to be kept for the use of a particular person and not given to anyone else:a place was reserved for her in the front row
• retain or hold (an entitlement to something), especially by formal or legal stipulation: [with object and infinitive]:the editor reserves the right to edit letters
• refrain from delivering (a judgment or decision) immediately or without due consideration or evidence:I’ll reserve my views on his ability until he’s played again
• (reserve something for) use or engage in something only in or at (a particular circumstance or time):Japanese food has been presented as expensive and reserved for special occasions
• (in church use) retain (a portion of the consecrated elements) after mass for communion of the sick or as a focus for devotion.

noun

• 1 (often reserves) a supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required:Australia has major coal, gas, and uranium reserves
• a force or body of troops kept back from action to reinforce or protect others, or additional to the regular forces and available in an emergency.
• a member of the military reserve.
• an extra player who is a possible substitute in a team.
• (the reserves) the second-string team.
• funds kept available by a bank, company, or government:the foreign exchange reserves
• a part of a company’s profits added to capital rather than paid as a dividend.

• 2a place set aside for special use, in particular.
• an area designated as a habitat for an indigenous people.
• a protected area for wildlife.

• 3a lack of warmth or openness in manner or expression:she smiled and some of her natural reserve melted
• qualification or doubt attached to some statement or claim:she trusted him without reserve

• 4short for reserve price.

• 5(in the decoration of ceramics or textiles) an area that still has the original color of the material or the color of the background.