adj

antsy

AN-tsee

Antsy (adj) means Restless, fidgety, and unable to sit still, often from impatience or nerves. Example: “The kids got antsy waiting for the movie to start.”

adj

Restless, fidgety, and unable to sit still, often from impatience or nerves.

"The kids got antsy waiting for the movie to start."

"Investors are growing antsy about the delayed earnings report."

How to use antsy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFeeling restless or jittery, like you can't stay still or wait any longer.

Memory tip

It's informal — great for casual writing, but swap in "restless" or "impatient" for formal contexts.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

getting antsy antsy to leave feeling antsy

Word forms

antsier comparative, antsiest superlative

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Fill the gap

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The kids got _____ waiting for the movie to start.

Etymology

Grew out of the American English phrase "ants in one's pants" — first recorded as rural Southern US slang in the early 1900s.

· First attested 1900

Class of 1900 antsy joined the language around 1900.

addictive Alfredo Alyssa applesauce asshole

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Frequently asked questions

What does “antsy” mean?

The word “antsy” means restless, fidgety, and unable to sit still, often from impatience or nerves. In plain terms, feeling restless or jittery, like you can't stay still or wait any longer.

How do you pronounce “antsy”?

“Antsy” is pronounced AN-tsee (/ˈæn.tsi/ in IPA).

How do you use “antsy” in a sentence?

Here is “antsy” used in a sentence: “The kids got antsy waiting for the movie to start.”

What part of speech is “antsy”?

“Antsy” is an adjective.

Where does the word “antsy” come from?

The word “antsy” dates back to around 1900. Grew out of the American English phrase "ants in one's pants" — first recorded as rural Southern US slang in the early 1900s.