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reservation

n.
US //ˌɹɛzɝˈveɪʃən// UK //ɹˌɛzəvˈeɪʃən// reser·va·tion
  1. 1 booking in advance (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    an arrangement you make to have a seat, room, or table kept for you at a specific time.

    an arrangement by which accommodation, transport, or services are secured in advance.

    Example

    I called the restaurant to make a reservation for four people at 7:00 PM.

    Example

    The hotel manager confirmed that our reservation included a complimentary breakfast and access to the executive lounge throughout our stay.
    Pitfall
    I made a reservation of a table.
    I made a reservation for a table.

    Use the preposition 'for' when specifying what the reservation is intended to secure.

  2. 2 a doubt or concern (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a feeling of doubt about whether something is right or true.

    a limiting qualification or a sense of doubt regarding a proposal, person, or statement.

    Example

    I have some reservations about his plan because it seems too expensive.

    Example

    While the board approved the merger in principle, several members expressed serious reservations regarding the long-term debt obligations.
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  1. 3 designated land (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    an area of land kept separate for a particular group of people to live on.

    a tract of land set apart by a government for the use of a specific indigenous population.

    Example

    The museum teaches visitors about the history of the people living on the reservation.

    Example

    The tribal council met to discuss water rights and land management policies within the boundaries of the reservation.
  2. 4 road divider (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English

    the strip of land or barrier that separates two sides of a major road.

    the area of land or a physical barrier separating opposing lanes of traffic on a dual carriageway or motorway.

    Example

    The car crashed into the central reservation after the tyre burst.

    Example

    Maintenance crews were deployed to repair the safety barriers along the central reservation following the multi-vehicle accident on the M4.
  3. 5 quota system (n.)
    C1 Advanced Dialect Law

    a system where a certain number of jobs or school places are kept for specific groups of people.

    the policy of setting aside a percentage of positions in government or education for underrepresented communities.

    Example

    The government discussed new reservation policies for university admissions.

    Example

    The supreme court reviewed the constitutionality of the reservation system intended to support historically disadvantaged castes in the civil service.

    Usage

    Commonly used in Indian English in the context of social justice and government policy.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is specific to Indian English; in other regions, terms like 'affirmative action' or 'quotas' are more common.
Origin

From Middle French reservation, equivalent to reserve + -ation.

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