fidget

[ fij-it ]

verb (used without object)

1. to move about restlessly, nervously, or impatiently.
2. to play with something in a restless or nervous way; fiddle:

   The boy kept fidgeting with the toy instead of paying attention.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to fidget; make uneasy: He was fidgeted by a hunch that the girl was going to cause trouble.

noun

1. Often fidgets. the condition or an instance of being nervously restless, uneasy, or impatient.
2. Also fidgeter. a person who fidgets.

fidget

/ ˈfɪdʒɪt /

verb

1. intr to move about restlessly
2. introften foll bywith to make restless or uneasy movements (with something); fiddle

   he fidgeted with his pen

3. tr to cause to fidget
4. tr to cause to worry; make uneasy

noun

1. often plural a state of restlessness or unease, esp as expressed in continual motion

   he's got the fidgets

2. a person who fidgets

Derived Forms

• ˈfidgetingly, adverb
• ˈfidgety, adjective

Other Words From

• fidg·et·ing·ly adverb
• un·fidg·et·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fidget¹

First recorded in 1665–75; compare dialectal fidge “to fidget,” akin to the synonymous expressive words fitch, fig, fike; compare Old Norse fīkjast “to be eager,” Old Swedish fīkja “to be restless”

Word History and Origins

Origin of fidget¹

C17: from earlier fidge , probably from Old Norse fīkjast to desire eagerly

Example Sentences

Suspicions were reportedly aroused when a test-taker was seen repeatedly fidgeting with their glasses frames, according to one source briefed on the probe.

From Los Angeles Times

He said during Wednesday’s final game, he continually fidgeted with, squeezed and kissed the dark brown rosary he purchased in Mexico a decade ago that sits around his neck.

From Los Angeles Times

“Maybe it’s not crazy loud at the beginning? Maybe if somebody needs to take out a fidget ... to be more calm, then that’s OK?”

From Los Angeles Times

As he fidgeted with his bat between pitches, surrounded by a sea of standing spectators either clapping or cheering or recording the moment on their phone, Ohtani showed hardly any expression on his face.

From Los Angeles Times

He explained: “When people are affected in this manner… they say they have the fidgets.”

From BBC

Related Words

• fret
• jiggle
• squirm
• twiddle
• twitch