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 Photograph: Matthias Balk/Getty Images Many people—like, say, journalists—are understandably antsy about what generative artificial intelligence might mean for the future of their profession. Will Knight, WIRED, 8 Feb. 2024 Some folks are antsy about potential price tumbles. Jonathan Lansner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Dec. 2023 The London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus were present and the choir was especially antsy, Ruder recalls, feeling that an hour-long rehearsal might be necessary to achieve the right sonic balance in the cavernous room. Jon Burlingame, Variety, 5 Dec. 2023 Still, that’s a long time in the auto world, and to say people are getting antsy waiting would be a huge understatement. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 29 Nov. 2023 Glitches in each half between Olave, the second-year wideout, and antsy quarterback Derek Carr fueled the Saints’ 31-24 home loss. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2023 But wages have gone unpaid for months, and the workers — or whoever’s left of them — are getting antsy. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2023 Investors are growing antsy: Disney shares have been trading at about $89, down 7 percent from a year ago and 55 percent from their peak in March 2021. Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 3 July 2023 And as the runs ticked up and an April afternoon ticked away in the span of their first inning Tuesday against Torres High, players in the dugout grew antsy. Luca Evans, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2023

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

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 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

antsy

adjective
ant·​sy ˈant-sē How to pronounce antsy (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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