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.
But Sandler was uninterested in the sport, and usually got antsy. Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 But at least some analysts are getting antsy and are keen to see those kinds of PVH+ gains hit more of the company’s overall business. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 21 July 2025 Americans are feeling antsy Personal spending, which is the biggest driver of the U.S. economy, also slowed during the first quarter, after robust growth at the end of last year. Scott Horsley, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025 Now, roughly a year and a half since its debut, fans are getting antsy for the next chapter in the saga. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 July 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antsy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antsy. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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!