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
also
: changeful, discontented
was becoming restless and unhappy with his job
The audience was restless.
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
In the enactive approach, this restless renegotiation gives rise to our higher cognitive functions.
—
Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
For allergy sufferers, that buildup can mean sneezing, nasal congestion and restless nights.
—Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Jackson has worked to follow a similarly restless path that has also included blues, Latin, and modern classical works.
—Steve Appleford, SPIN, 7 Apr. 2026
If restless legs or cramping have gotten worse alongside your other symptoms, the magnesium connection is worth exploring with your doctor.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restless
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Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
For allergy sufferers, that buildup can mean sneezing, nasal congestion and restless nights.
—Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Jackson has worked to follow a similarly restless path that has also included blues, Latin, and modern classical works.
—Steve Appleford, SPIN, 7 Apr. 2026
If restless legs or cramping have gotten worse alongside your other symptoms, the magnesium connection is worth exploring with your doctor.
—Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for restless
Cite this Entry
“Restless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/restless. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
restless
adjective
rest·less
ˈrest-ləs 
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
1
: deprived of rest or sleep
the patient was restless from pain
2
: providing no rest
a restless night
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