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 Volcanoes become restless and then go back to slumbering all the time. Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 October has long been associated with ghosts – from ancient Celtic festivals to ward off restless spirits after harvest time to the modern standby of using an old sheet to make a last-minute Halloween costume. Andrea Kaston Tange, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2024 If that sounds like you, keep reading for expert tips on putting your restless bladder to bed, once and for all. Erica Sloan, SELF, 22 Oct. 2024 The accommodations are distinctive cabins called birdhouses, with circular windows that offer stunning views of the restless Archipelago Sea. Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for restless 

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

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 31 Oct. 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

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