Meanings
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1
verb
to make repeated small movements, especially because of nervousness, impatience, or boredom
The witness began to fidget with a loose button while she waited to testify.
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2
noun
a small, restless movement made repeatedly or without conscious intention
Each nervous fidget made the old wooden chair creak.
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3
noun
informally, a person who has difficulty remaining still
As a child, Leo was a terrible fidget during long ceremonies.
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4
noun
a small object or toy designed to be manipulated in the hands, often to occupy attention or relieve tension
The counselor gave each student a quiet fidget to use during the meeting.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Recorded in the 1670s, originally in the noun phrase the fidget, from the earlier dialect verb fidge, 'move restlessly.' Fidge is probably related to Middle English fiken or fyken, 'move about restlessly or hasten,' perhaps through Old Norse fikjask, 'desire eagerly.' The verb fidget developed alongside the noun; fidgety followed in the eighteenth century.