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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• unresting adjective

Etymology

Origin of resting

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

Example Sentences

Pulling her closer, we embrace, her head resting on my chest, and in silence, we breathe our scent and hear the beating of our hearts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 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

But the OpenAI-Anthropic feud carries a unique risk with the fate of the still-nascent AI technology resting in just a few powerful hands.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

“I just need you to listen to some songs, tell me your mood, and let me take your resting heart rate.”

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas