excitable

adjective

ex·​cit·​able ik-ˈsī-tə-bəl 

1

: capable of being readily roused into action or a state of excitement or irritability

2

: capable of being activated by and reacting to stimuli

excitable cells

excitability

ik-ˌsī-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

excitableness

ik-ˈsī-tə-bəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• fiddle-footed
• flighty
• fluttery
• high-strung
• hyper
• hyperactive
• hyperexcitable
• hyperkinetic
• jittery
• jumpy
• nervous
• skittery
• skittish
• spasmodic
• spooky

Examples of excitable in a Sentence

an excitable child who needs a stable home life

Recent Examples on the Web

Jeon Seok-ho is consistently amusing as Woo-seok, an excitable small-time criminal who joins Jun-ho in the search for the island. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 26 Dec. 2024

The property is listed with excitable realtor Greg (Matt Rogers), who dreams of a quick sale and a hefty commission. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024

If your weekly dog walker is especially good with your excitable fur-baby, consider giving additional Christmas cheer. —Linley Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2024

Lou Carnesecca, the excitable St. John’s men’s basketball coach whose outlandish sweaters became an emblem of his team’s dazzling Final Four run in 1985, died at 99. —Andrew Torgan, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing excitable

• hyper-excitable

Kids Definition

excitable

adjective

ex·​cit·​able ik-ˈsīt-ə-bəl 

1

: easily excited

2

: capable of being excited

excitability

-ˌsīt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

Medical Definition

excitable

adjective

ex·​cit·​able ik-ˈsīt-ə-bəl 

of living tissue or an organism

: capable of being activated by and reacting to stimuli : exhibiting irritability

the biochemistry of excitable membranes

—Science

excitability

-ˌsīt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural excitabilities