antsy

adjective

ant·​sy ˈant-sē How to pronounce antsy (audio)
1
informal : restless, fidgety
antsy children
also : impatient, eager
antsy for a new challenge
2
informal : nervous, apprehensive
antsy investors

Examples of antsy in a Sentence

he was feeling understandably antsy about the tax audit after a few minutes in the formal restaurant, the kids got antsy
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The idea is to spend hours and hours around the table, enjoying lunch or dinner without worrying about antsy children or impatient waiters. Ann Abel, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 With the tendency of Californians to vote late and by mail, Nolan and other officials have a message for the voting public, which is sure to be antsy for a quick vote-count. Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 7 Oct. 2024 Masters of deep work: While extroverts might get antsy sitting alone for hours, introverts thrive on it. Lien De Pau, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 As the crowd of investors, enthusiasts and the crypto-curious grew increasingly antsy at the Bitcoin Conference in Nashville, Elon Musk’s private jet was touching down 200 miles away in Memphis, Tennessee. Mackenzie Sigalos,rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antsy 

Word History

Etymology

see ant entry 1

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of antsy was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near antsy

Cite this Entry

“Antsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antsy. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

antsy

adjective
ant·​sy ˈant-sē How to pronounce antsy (audio)
informal
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!