Reserved Seat: Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：Seat booked in advance (Reserved Seat)

Reserved Seat 🔊

/rɪˈzɜːrvd siːt/

A seat that has been set aside or booked in advance for a specific person or group, especially on trains, planes, or at events.

Reserved seat on train with ticket matching seat number

Seat booked in advance 🔊

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/siːt bʊkt ɪn ədˈvɑːns/

A seat that has been officially allocated or set aside for a particular person or group, ensuring it is not taken by others, commonly used on transport and at events.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

'Reserved' from Latin 'reservare' (re- 'back' + servare 'to keep') + 'Seat' from Old English 'sete'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Reserved' = 're-serve' the spot for you; 'Seat' = where you sit—together they mean 'your place is waiting'.

📖 Example

On the high-speed train, I found my reserved seat by the window and enjoyed the view. 🔊 On the high-speed train, I found my reserved seat by the window and enjoyed the view.

🔗 Collocations

reserved seat ticket – A ticket that guarantees a specific seat on a train, plane, or at a venue

reserved seating area – A section of a venue where seats are assigned to ticket holders in advance

hold a reserved seat – To keep a seat that has been booked for someone, preventing others from taking it

🔄 Synonyms

assigned seat (n.) – A seat that is specifically designated for a person through a booking system

booked seat (n.) – A seat that has been reserved or purchased in advance

designated seat (n.) – A seat officially marked for a particular individual or group

🚫 Antonyms

open seat (n.) – A seat that is available without prior reservation

unreserved seat (n.) – A seat that is not booked in advance and can be taken by anyone

first-come-first-served seat (n.) – A seat allocated based on arrival order, not advance booking

🌱 Derivatives

reservation (n.) – The act of booking or setting aside a seat, room, or service in advance

reserve (v.) – To book or set aside something for future use

unreserved (adj.) – Not booked or set aside in advance; available for general use

📖 Cultural Story

The concept emerged in the 19th century with railways and theaters, offering guaranteed spots for ticket holders, evolving into standard travel and event practice.