hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce hyperactive (audio)
1
: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity
broadly : more active than is usual or desirable
2
: intricately or elaborately designed or detailed
hyperactive noun

Examples of hyperactive in a Sentence

the skyrocketing price of oil resulted in a wildly fluctuating, hyperactive stock market hyperactive children who are in dire need of a guardian with a firm hand
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Forrest is a squirrel who has a tree nut allergy and can be hyperactive and impulsive. Jaclyn Greenberg, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024 Children who were hyperactive in school may become restless and easily bored in work meetings as adults. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 Most forecasters predicted a hyperactive hurricane season as early as April, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issuing its highest-ever forecast. Evan Bush, NBC News, 30 Nov. 2024 Throughout the night, Keoghan is a hyperactive presence, at one point asking an event worker to take a photo of him and Paul Mescal on his phone while Saoirse Ronan waits close by. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hyperactive 

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperactive was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near hyperactive

Cite this Entry

“Hyperactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperactive. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hyperactive

adjective
hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce hyperactive (audio)
: very active especially to an abnormal amount
hyperactivity
-ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē
noun

Medical Definition

hyperactive

1 of 2 adjective
hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pə-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce hyperactive (audio)
: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity
Scientists suspect in certain genetically susceptible people, the immune cells remain hyperactive long after the infectious agent has been cleared from the body.Kathy Fackelmann, Science News
A growing number of parents suspect that the powerful stimulant Ritalin—long prescribed for its paradoxically tranquilizing effect on hyperactive children—has become a convenience for teachers seeking quiet classrooms …David Gates. Newsweek
broadly : more active than is usual or desirable

hyperactive

2 of 2 noun
: an individual who is hyperactive

More from Merriam-Webster on hyperactive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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