1 [count] : a supply of something that is stored so that it can be used at a later time
▪ oil reserves ▪ a cash reserve ▪ He had to call upon his inner reserves of strength to keep going. 2 [count] : a military force that is additional to the regular forces and that is available if it is needed
▪ the army reserve — often plural ▪ He is a member of the reserves. 3 [count] : an area of land where animals and plants are given special protection
▪ a forest/wildlife reserve — see also nature reserve 4 [count] : an area of land where Native Americans live : reservation
▪ a Navajo reserve 5 [noncount] : the quality of a person who does not express feelings, opinions, etc., in an easy and open way
▪ His natural reserve is sometimes mistaken for unfriendliness. 6 [count] : a player on a team who takes the place of a regular player who is injured or cannot play
▪ the reserves on a football team