plural fidgets
1
: uneasiness or restlessness as shown by nervous movements
—usually used in the phrase the fidgets
got the fidgets in church
a case of the fidgets
2
[fidget entry 2]
: someone who fidgets
"I was a very energetic child and my mother looked for outlets for that energy. I was a fidget," she [Monica Mason] says.—
Nick Clark
Nick Clark3
: something (such as a toy) that is designed to be held and manipulated (as to decrease stress and anxiety)
For a child with tactile difficulties, … give the child a fidget, or toy, during seated activities.—Vrinda Murphy
Vrinda MurphyYou've probably seen the kid spinning a thing that looks like a miniature alien spaceship on his thumb and wondered what that was all about. Or maybe you've noticed a co-worker secretly fiddling with a cube with buttons on it under the conference table. These odd-shaped, oddly addictive objects—designed to let you channel extra energy into your fingers as you go about your day—are fidgets.—Ariana Eunjung Cha
Ariana Eunjung ChaSenior care facilities have found that residents with dementia enjoy using fidget spinners to occupy their hands, calm their minds, and redirect attention.—Houston Defender
Houston DefenderBesides being fun to hold and squeeze, slime is also a useful fidget toy that can alleviate anxiety and help kids stay on task, Palmer said.—Cameron Morsberger
Cameron Morsberger
fidgeted; fidgeting; fidgets
: to move or act restlessly or nervously
: to cause to move or act nervously
Synonyms
Examples of fidget in a Sentence
Noun
one dental patient in the waiting room had a bad case of the fidgets
Verb
He was constantly fidgeting in his chair.
small children are likely to fidget in church
Recent Examples on the Web
Amy Blankson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Incorporating Sensory-Friendly Features Including tools such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools or even spaces designed for movement can make a significant difference for neurodiverse employees.
—Shaun Arora, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
At exactly noon on New Year’s Day, about 20 people braced their feet against the silty shore of Lake Natoma, hopping and fidgeting to warm themselves.
—Annika Merrilees, Sacramento Bee, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fidget 
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Noun
Sometimes, using a physical tool—like Play-Doh, Legos, or even a fidget toy—can help loosen up the mind and encourage new ways of thinking.
—Amy Blankson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Incorporating Sensory-Friendly Features Including tools such as noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools or even spaces designed for movement can make a significant difference for neurodiverse employees.
—Shaun Arora, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
However, there are downsides, as a dog may fidget or snore at night, which may disrupt your sleep cycle.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
At exactly noon on New Year’s Day, about 20 people braced their feet against the silty shore of Lake Natoma, hopping and fidgeting to warm themselves.
—Annika Merrilees, Sacramento Bee, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fidget
Articles Related to fidget
Dictionary Entries Near fidget
Cite this Entry
“Fidget.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fidget. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fidget
1 of 2 noun
fidg·et
ˈfij-ət 
1
plural
: restlessness as shown by nervous movements
2
: one that fidgets
fidgety
adjective
-ət-ē
fidget
2 of 2 verb
: to move or act nervously or restlessly
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