resting

American  

[res-ting] / ˈrɛs tɪŋ /

adjective

1. that rests; rest; not active.

2. Botany. dormant: applied especially to spores or seeds that germinate after a period of dormancy.

---

resting British  

/ ˈrɛstɪŋ /

adjective

1. not moving or working; at rest

2. euphemistic (of an actor) out of work

3. (esp of plant spores) undergoing a period of dormancy before germination

4. (of cells) not undergoing mitosis

---

Other Word Forms

• unresting adjective

Etymology

Origin of resting

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; rest ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

"We're just glad we could provide a cozy resting spot in our store," he added.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

Upon landing, the animals face strict customs inspections before resting at waypoint stables.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

The cells produced higher levels of energy molecules while resting but struggled to boost energy production when under stress.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2026

The Israeli foreign ministry has said the building was being used as a "resting place" for Iranian forces.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

He picked up a pen and began to roll it between his fingers, his arm outstretched with his wrist resting on the edge of the desk.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu