Fidgety means unable to sit still or stay calm, with a constant need to move your body in small, restless ways. A fidgety person might tap their pencil, bounce their leg, twist their hair, or squirm in their seat. It's that restless feeling when your body wants to move even though you're supposed to be sitting quietly.

Kids often get fidgety during long classes or car rides, not because they're misbehaving, but because their bodies have energy that needs releasing. You might notice yourself becoming fidgety when you're nervous before a presentation, excited about something coming up, or bored during a long wait at the doctor's office.

The word suggests small, repeated movements rather than big actions. A fidgety student doesn't jump out of their chair; they just can't quite keep their hands, feet, or body completely still. Some people are naturally more fidgety than others, and that's perfectly normal. Teachers and parents sometimes notice when children become unusually fidgety, since it can signal that someone needs a break, some physical activity, or a chance to stretch and move around.