Reserve vs. Book: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Reserve" typically means to hold or set aside something for future use, while "Book" often refers to arranging for a service or obtaining a ticket in advance.
Key Differences
"Reserve" is often used when setting aside resources or rights for future use, indicating a sense of planning ahead. "Book," in contrast, is commonly associated with securing appointments, services, or tickets, emphasizing a confirmed arrangement.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
In usage, "reserve" can imply a sense of exclusivity or limitation, as in reserving a resource for a specific purpose or group. "Book" implies a completed transaction, often involving scheduling or purchasing, such as booking a hotel room or a flight.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
"Reserve" carries a nuance of precaution or anticipation, such as reserving judgment or reserving a portion of one's income for emergencies. "Book," however, is action-oriented, directly relating to the act of making a reservation or appointment.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
When it comes to flexibility, "reserve" suggests a temporary hold, which might be subject to change. In contrast, "book" often indicates a firmer commitment, like booking a venue for an event, where cancellation might incur costs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
In some contexts, "reserve" can also mean to withhold something, like reserving one's opinion. "Book," on the other hand, is straightforward in its transactional nature, such as booking a table at a restaurant, implying an agreed-upon arrangement.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Nature
Often implies holding or setting aside for future use
Generally refers to arranging or securing a service/ticket
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Connotation
Can suggest exclusivity or limitation
Implies a completed or confirmed arrangement
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Usage
Involves anticipation or precaution
Directly related to making reservations or appointments
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Flexibility
May suggest a temporary or changeable hold
Indicates a firmer, often less flexible commitment
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Contextual Meaning
Can mean to withhold something
Straightforward in transactional nature
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Reserve and Book Definitions
Reserve
To keep back or save for future need or special use.
We reserve the best wine for special guests.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Book
To register names or information.
He was booked for the conference as a keynote speaker.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Book
To engage for a performance.
The band was booked for the local festival.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Reserve
To designate for a specific purpose.
This area is reserved for VIP guests.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Book
To record something in official or formal documents.
The officer booked the incident in the police log.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Reserve
To keep back, as for future use or for a special purpose
The hospital reserves certain drugs for the most serious cases.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
To set or cause to be set apart for a particular person or use
Reserved a seat on the next flight out.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A set of written, printed, or blank pages fastened along one side and encased between protective covers.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Something kept back or saved for future use or a special purpose
A runner with a reserve of energy for the final lap.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
An amount of capital that is not invested or otherwise used in order to meet probable demands, such as withdrawals by bank depositors or claims on insurance policies.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A printed or written literary work
Did you ever finish writing that book?.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Lack of enthusiasm, as from a misgiving or doubt
Supported the idea without reserve.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A main division of a larger printed or written work
A book of the Old Testament.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Self-restraint in expression or bearing; reticence or coolness
Maintained a dignified reserve throughout the ceremony.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
Books Financial or business records considered as a group
Checked the expenditures on the books.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
An amount of a mineral, fossil fuel, or other resource known to exist in a particular location and to be exploitable
The discovery of large oil reserves.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
The part of a country's armed forces not on active duty but subject to call in an emergency.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
A group of players that play only as substitutes for starters in games or are kept from playing for some reason.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A set of prescribed standards or rules on which decisions are based
Runs the company by the book.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
The total amount of experience, knowledge, understanding, and skill that can be used in solving a problem or performing a task
We used every trick in the book to finish the project on schedule.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(Informal) Factual information, especially of a private nature
What's the book on him?.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
The act of reserving or keeping back; reservation; exception.
The book is on reserve.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Restraint of freedom in words or actions; backwardness; caution in personal behavior.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(Games) The number of card tricks needed before any tricks can have scoring value, as the first six tricks taken by the declaring side in bridge.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
A natural resource known to exist but not currently exploited.
New oil reserves are continuously being discovered, but not as fast as the existing ones are running out.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To arrange for or purchase (tickets or lodgings, for example) in advance; reserve.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
A tract of land reserved, or set apart, for a particular purpose
The Connecticut Reserve in Ohio was originally set apart for the school fund of Connecticut.
The Clergy Reserves in Canada are for the support of the clergy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To arrange a reservation, as for a hotel room, for (someone)
Book me into the best hotel in town.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
(Canada) A tract of land set apart for the use of an Aboriginal group; Indian reserve (compare US reservation.)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
(military) A body of troops kept in the rear of an army drawn up for battle, reserved to support the other lines as occasion may require; a force or body of troops kept for an exigency.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To list or register in a book
Booked the revenue from last month's sales.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Funds kept on hand to meet planned or unplanned financial requirements.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To list or record appointments or engagements in
A calendar that was booked solid on Tuesday.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To record information about (a suspected offender) after arrest in preparation for arraignment, usually including a criminal history search, fingerprinting, and photographing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(Sports) To record the flagrant fouls of (a player) for possible disciplinary action, as in soccer.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
(ceramics) Absence of color or decoration; the state of being left plain.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
(social) Something initially kept back for later use in a recreation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To be hired for or engaged in
The actor has booked his next movie with that director.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
(sports) A member of a team who does not participate from the start of the game, but can be used to replace tired or injured team-mates.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
(card games) A group or pile of cards dealt out at the beginning of a patience or solitaire game to be used during play.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
In exhibitions, a distinction indicating that the recipient will get a prize in the event of another person being disqualified.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
Of or relating to knowledge learned from books rather than actual experience
Has book smarts but not street smarts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
A preparation used on an object being electroplated to fix the limits of the deposit.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A collection of sheets of paper bound together to hinge at one edge, containing printed or written material, pictures, etc.
She opened the book to page 37 and began to read aloud.
He was frustrated because he couldn't find anything about dinosaurs in the book.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
To keep back; to retain.
We reserve the right to make modifications.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A long work fit for publication, typically prose, such as a novel or textbook, and typically published as such a bound collection of sheets, but now sometimes electronically as an e-book.
I have three copies of his first book.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
To keep in store for future or special use.
This cake is reserved for the guests!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A major division of a long work.
Genesis is the first book of the Bible.
Many readers find the first book of A Tale of Two Cities to be confusing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
To book in advance; to make a reservation.
I reserved a table for us at the best restaurant in town.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(gambling) A record of betting (from the use of a notebook to record what each person has bet).
I'm running a book on who is going to win the race.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(informal) A bookmaker (a person who takes bets on sporting events and similar); bookie; turf accountant.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A convenient collection, in a form resembling a book, of small paper items for individual use.
A book of stamps
A book of raffle tickets
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Hence, to keep in store for future or special use; to withhold from present use for another purpose or time; to keep; to retain; to make a reservation{7}.
Hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble?
Reserve your kind looks and language for private hours.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
The act of reserving, or keeping back; reservation.
However any one may concur in the general scheme, it is still with certain reserves and deviations.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A book award, a recognition for receiving the highest grade in a class (traditionally an actual book, but recently more likely a letter or certificate acknowledging the achievement).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
That which is reserved, or kept back, as for future use.
The virgins, besides the oil in their lamps, carried likewise a reserve in some other vessel for a continual supply.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
That which is excepted; exception.
Each has some darling lust, which pleads for a reserve.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Restraint of freedom in words or actions; backwardness; caution in personal behavior.
My soul, surprised, and from her sex disjoined,Left all reserve, and all the sex, behind.
The clergyman's shy and sensitive reserve had balked this scheme.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(sports) A document, held by the referee, of the incidents happened in the game.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
A tract of land reserved, or set apart, for a particular purpose; as, the Connecticut Reserve in Ohio, originally set apart for the school fund of Connecticut; the Clergy Reserves in Canada, for the support of the clergy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A list of all players who have been booked (received a warning) in a game.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
A body of troops in the rear of an army drawn up for battle, reserved to support the other lines as occasion may require; a force or body of troops kept for an exigency.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
That part of the assets of a bank or other financial institution specially kept in cash in a more or less liquid form as a reasonable provision for meeting all demands which may be made upon it;
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(with "the") The accumulated body of knowledge passed down among black pimps.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
In exhibitions, a distinction which indicates that the recipient will get a prize if another should be disqualified.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(transitive) To reserve (something) for future use.
I want to book a hotel room for tomorrow night.
I can book tickets for the concert next week.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
A preparation used on an object being electroplated to fix the limits of the deposit.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(transitive) To write down, to register or record in a book or as in a book.
They booked that message from the hill
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(transitive) To add a name to the list of people who are participating in something.
I booked a flight to New York.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To record the name and other details of a suspected offender and the offence for later judicial action.
The police booked him for driving too fast.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
An athlete who plays only when another member of the team drops out
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
(sports) To issue a caution to, usually a yellow card, or a red card if a yellow card has already been issued.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
(medicine) potential capacity to respond in order to maintain vital functions
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To travel very fast.
He was really booking, until he passed the speed trap.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Armed forces that are not on active duty but can be called in an emergency
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To receive the highest grade in a class.
The top three students had a bet on which one was going to book their intellectual property class.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
The trait of being uncommunicative; not volunteering anything more than necessary
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Hold back or set aside, especially for future use or contingency;
They held back their applause in anticipation
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A collection of sheets of paper, or similar material, blank, written, or printed, bound together; commonly, many folded and bound sheets containing continuous printing or writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Give or assign a share of money or time to a particular person or cause;
I will earmark this money for your research
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A composition, written or printed; a treatise.
A good book is the precious life blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Obtain or arrange (for oneself) in advance;
We managed to reserve a table at Maxim's
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A part or subdivision of a treatise or literary work; as, the tenth book of "Paradise Lost."
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance;
Reserve me a seat on a flight
The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family
Please hold a table at Maxim's
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A volume or collection of sheets in which accounts are kept; a register of debts and credits, receipts and expenditures, etc.; - often used in the plural; as, they got a subpoena to examine our books.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
Six tricks taken by one side, in the game of bridge or whist, being the minimum number of tricks that must be taken before any additional tricks are counted as part of the score for that hand; in certain other games, two or more corresponding cards, forming a set.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
Kept in reserve especially for emergency use;
A reserve supply of food
A spare tire
Spare parts
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A written version of a play or other dramatic composition; - used in preparing for a performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
To set aside for future use.
I will reserve some funds for our vacation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Book
A set of paper objects (tickets, stamps, matches, checks etc.) bound together by one edge, like a book; as, he bought a book of stamps.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Reserve
To withhold judgment or decision.
She reserved her opinion until she heard all the facts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Book
A book or list, actual or hypothetical, containing records of the best performances in some endeavor; a recordbook; - used in the phrase one for the book or one for the books.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
The set of facts about an athlete's performance, such as typical performance or playing habits or methods, that are accumulated by potential opponents as an aid in deciding how best to compete against that athlete; as, the book on Ted Williams suggests pitching to him low and outside.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
The list of current buy and sell orders maintained by a stock market specialist.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
The purchase orders still outstanding and unfilled on a company's ledger; as, book to bill ratio.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To enter, write, or register in a book or list.
Let it be booked with the rest of this day's deeds.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To enter the name of (any one) in a book for the purpose of securing a passage, conveyance, or seat; to reserve{2}; also, to make an arrangement for a reservation; as, to be booked for Southampton; to book a seat in a theater; to book a reservation at a restaurant.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To mark out for; to destine or assign for; as, he is booked for the valedictory.
Here I am booked for three days more in Paris.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To make an official record of a charge against (a suspect in a crime); - performed by police.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together);
I am reading a good book on economics
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
Physical objects consisting of a number of pages bound together;
He used a large book as a doorstop
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A record in which commercial accounts are recorded;
They got a subpoena to examine our books
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A number of sheets (ticket or stamps etc.) bound together on one edge;
He bought a book of stamps
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A compilation of the known facts regarding something or someone;
Al Smith used to say, `Let's look at the record'
His name is in all the recordbooks
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A written version of a play or other dramatic composition; used in preparing for a performance
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
A collection of rules or prescribed standards on the basis of which decisions are made;
They run things by the book around here
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
The sacred writings of Islam revealed by God to the prophet Muhammad during his life at Mecca and Medina
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
The sacred writings of the Christian religions;
He went to carry the Word to the heathen
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
Record a charge in a police register;
The policeman booked her when she tried to solicit a man
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
Arrange for and reserve (something for someone else) in advance;
Reserve me a seat on a flight
The agent booked tickets to the show for the whole family
Please hold a table at Maxim's
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
Engage for a performance;
Her agent had booked her for several concerts in Tokyo
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Book
To arrange for or secure a service in advance.
She booked a flight to Paris for next month.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "reserve" be used for physical spaces?
Yes, you can reserve a room or a seat.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Is "reserve" only for tangible items?
No, it can also apply to intangibles like rights or opinions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Is "reserve" formal or informal?
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Is "book" appropriate for informal events?
Yes, you can book anything from a taxi to a party venue.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Does "reserve" always require payment?
No, reserving something doesn't always involve a cost.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can "book" be used in a legal context?
Yes, like booking someone for a violation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can "book" imply a future commitment?
Yes, booking something usually involves a future plan.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Does "reserve" involve a legal contract?
Not necessarily, it depends on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Does "reserve" imply exclusivity?
Often, it implies holding something for a specific person or purpose.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can "book" be used for online reservations?
Yes, it's commonly used for online service or event reservations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can "reserve" imply future consumption?
Yes, like reserving wine for later use.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can "reserve" be used in sports?
Yes, like reserving a spot on a team or in a tournament.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Does "reserve" have a military usage?
Yes, like reserving forces for a specific operation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Is "book" suitable for educational contexts?
Yes, like booking a place in a course or workshop.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can "book" be used as a synonym for arrest?
Yes, in law enforcement contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can "book" refer to scheduling appointments?
Yes, like booking a doctor's appointment.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Is "book" appropriate for travel arrangements?
Absolutely, it's frequently used for flights, trains, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can "book" be a noun?
Yes, but in a different context, like a reading book.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Is "reserve" commonly used in hospitality?
Yes, especially for hotel rooms or tables in a restaurant.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Does "book" apply to entertainment services?
Yes, like booking a performer or a show.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
