restless

adjective

rest·​less ˈrest-ləs How to pronounce restless (audio)
1
: lacking or denying rest : uneasy
a restless night
2
: continuously moving : unquiet
the restless sea
3
: characterized by or manifesting unrest especially of mind
restless pacing
restlessly adverb
restlessness noun

Examples of restless in a Sentence

restless children who can't sit still The audience was becoming restless. He started to feel restless and discontent in his job.
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.
Popular on Variety The result is a film that mirrors the restless spirit of its subjects while breaking all of the rules of traditional documentary filmmaking. William Earl, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024 Kamala’s Glock and Camo hats on their own just weren’t enough to sway restless voters in the middle. Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024 With her big inward eyes and perpetual glower, Northam effectively conveys Elsa’s restless, blinkered life. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 Trump was becoming increasingly restless and agitated. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for restless 

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of restless was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near restless

Cite this Entry

“Restless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restless. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

restless

adjective
rest·​less ˈrest-ləs How to pronounce restless (audio)
1
: being without rest : giving no rest
a restless night
2
: always moving
the restless sea
3
: showing one to be uneasy
restless pacing back and forth
restlessly adverb
restlessness noun

Medical Definition

restless

adjective
rest·​less ˈrest-ləs How to pronounce restless (audio)
1
: deprived of rest or sleep
the patient was restless from pain
2
: providing no rest
a restless night

More from Merriam-Webster on restless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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