noun

reservist

rih-ZUR-vist/rɪˈzɜːrvɪst/

A member of a military reserve force.

The reservist balances a civilian job with regular military training.

Adult changes from civilian jacket to uniform beside packed service duffel and plain calendar with one training day circled; part-time military reserve availability clear, no weapons or insignia text.

Etymology

reLatinback

+servLatinto keep, preserve

+istFrenchmember or participant

“Keeping back” acquired a military application to troops withheld from action to provide reinforcements. A reservist belongs to the reserve force, extending that idea to personnel available for auxiliary or emergency service.

In context

LibriVox Audiobooks26:36

At the depot all was bustle but no confusion. In the mobilization stores every reservist's arms and clothing were ticketed and these were soon issued with webbing equipment.

Everyman at War. Sixty Personal Narratives of the War by Charles B. Purdom Part 1/3 | Audio Book

More examples

Several reservists receive orders to report for active duty.
As a Navy reservist, she trains with her unit each month.
The company supports reservists who need time off for military service.

Forms

reservist · reservists

reserve noun — A military force available when needed.

Similar words

soldier: Usually an Army member, whether active-duty or in reserve.
guardsman: Specifically a National Guard member, not every military reservist.