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.
When a startup’s bank account is sloshing with easy money, founders get antsy to spend it. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 Use your discretion, since your Capricorn horoscope for August 2025 says Leo season is getting antsy in your eighth house of privacy, taboo, and psychological complexity. Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 28 July 2025 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 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 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

antsy

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