Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Reservation has 9 different meanings across 1 category:
a district that is reserved for particular purpose
"The park's reservation is strictly set aside to protect endangered species from human disturbance."
a statement that limits or restricts some claim
"he recommended her without any reservations"
an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly
"I'm happy to help with your proposal, but I have a reservation about how we can afford it within the current budget."
the act of reserving (a place or passage) or engaging the services of (a person or group)
"wondered who had made the booking"
the written record or promise of an arrangement by which accommodations are secured in advance
"We called ahead to make a reservation at the beachfront hotel before our trip."
something reserved in advance (as a hotel accommodation or a seat on a plane etc.)
"I canceled my dinner reservation because I have to work late tonight."
the act of keeping back or setting aside for some future occasion
"She made a reservation to keep her best wine in reserve for the anniversary dinner next month."
The act of reserving, withholding or keeping back.
"He made a reservation about spending too much money on the new car."
The practice of reserving part of the consecrated bread of the Eucharist for the communion of the sick.
"The priest carefully placed the reserved host in the tabernacle so that it could be brought to the hospital later for a bedridden parishioner's communion."
In plain English: A reservation is when you book something in advance, like a table at a restaurant or a spot on a flight.
"They made a reservation at the restaurant for dinner tonight."
Usage: Use this word to describe booking lodging, dining tables, or services in advance rather than arriving spontaneously. Do not confuse it with "resignation," which means quitting a job voluntarily.
The word comes from Middle French and originally meant the act of setting something aside or keeping it reserved. It entered English with this same sense of holding back or reserving resources for future use.