adj
Common
resting
REHS-tihng
Resting (adj) means not currently active or in use; in a state of rest. Example: “The resting machinery in the factory was covered with dust sheets.”
adj
1
Not currently active or in use; in a state of rest.
"The resting machinery in the factory was covered with dust sheets."
"Farmers leave a resting field empty for a season so the soil recovers."
"The volcano has been resting for centuries, but scientists still monitor it."
noun
1
The act of taking rest, or a place set aside for it.
"After the long climb, resting was all anyone wanted to do."
"The hotel has a quiet resting room where guests can lie down."
"The hikers found a resting spot beneath a large oak tree."
How to use resting
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCurrently relaxing, inactive, or set aside for rest.
Common pairings
resting place
resting heart rate
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Word forms
- Plural
- restings
- Third person singular
- restings
- Past tense
- restung
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The _____ machinery in the factory was covered with dust sheets.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for resting
testing
nesting
investing
arresting
harvesting
suggesting
protesting
contesting
interesting
uninteresting
See all rhymes for resting →
Frequently asked questions
What does “resting” mean?
The word “resting” means not currently active or in use; in a state of rest. In plain terms, currently relaxing, inactive, or set aside for rest.
How do you pronounce “resting”?
“Resting” is pronounced REHS-tihng (/ˈɹɛstɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “resting” in a sentence?
Here is “resting” used in a sentence: “The volcano has been resting for centuries, but scientists still monitor it.”
What part of speech is “resting”?
Depending on how it is used, “resting” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “resting” a common word?
“Resting” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “resting” have?
“Resting” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not currently active or in use; in a state of rest.
What is the difference between 'resting' and 'sleeping'?
'Resting' means being inactive or relaxed and not using energy, which does not require being asleep; you can rest while sitting quietly or lying awake. 'Sleeping' is the specific unconscious state the body enters, which is one way of resting but not the only one.
What is the difference between 'resting' and 'idle'?
Both can describe something not currently active, but 'resting' suggests a deliberate or natural pause to recover, as with a person or muscle. 'Idle' more often implies simply not being used, and can carry a hint of unproductiveness, as with an idle machine.