preset

1 of 2

verb

pre·​set ˈprē-ˌset How to pronounce preset (audio)
preset; presetting

transitive verb

: to set in advance

preset

2 of 2

noun

: something (such as a radio station) preprogrammed into a device

Examples of preset in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
This should stop the major issue of someone with a top-level preset being matched against someone with a low-tier preset and making their life miserable due to the difference in weapon strength. Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 The pre-programmed buttons are enhanced by advanced sensor technology to thoroughly cook your food, and the Express Cook button can be preset from one to six minutes, giving you more control over the cooking process. Donna Kim, Bon Appétit, 24 Nov. 2023 This recipe involves a classic method of toasting the meringue at the end of assembling the banana pudding, so be sure to preset your oven to 375 degrees F to begin. Rebecca Lang, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2023 The schedule is preset before teams select their spots in that schedule. Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas News, 14 Sep. 2023 This deep fryer has preset settings for both fresh and frozen food. Melanie Rud, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2023 This is with the game resolution set to 4K and using the Ultra-High RT graphics preset. Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PCMAG, 25 Aug. 2023 Less expensive aids are preset with limited options—a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn't really fit all. Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 15 Aug. 2023 Ingle’s booths and banquettes are the color of toffee, its granite tables preset with crystal wine glasses. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 May 2023
Noun
All of the presets have also been rebalanced, with some being outright removed. Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Dark almost worked with Cocoa Press’s preset; milk wasn’t much harder, but white took me the better part of a day, adjusting up and down every half hour to find a temperature that flows. Sean Hollister, The Verge, 17 Feb. 2024 The main change comes to presets, and how they are balanced in matches. Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024 Unlike the Instant Pot, the Dream Cooker doesn’t rely on a ton of presets. Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 5 Jan. 2024 Plus, each one comes with three presets, for those who don’t want to fiddle and just want to rock. Spin Contributor, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2023 There are two programmable height presets in addition to a lock button for the touchpad. Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 12 Jan. 2024 It’s got handy presets and an easy-to-use interface, reminders for preheating and flipping, and a detachable basket that’s a breeze to clean. Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 27 Nov. 2023 The compact appliance comes with a timer, a defrost option, and six presets for cooking specific foods. Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preset.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1929, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of preset was in 1929

Dictionary Entries Near preset

Cite this Entry

“Preset.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preset. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

preset

verb
pre·​set
(ˈ)prē-ˈset
preset; presetting
: to set ahead of time
preset the oven to 350 degrees
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!