hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv 

1

: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity

broadly : more active than is usual or desirable

2

: intricately or elaborately designed or detailed

hyperactive noun

Synonyms

• excited
• heated
• agitated
• overactive

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

Otherwise, only contact your local Arizona Game and Fish Department office if a bobcat has been acting overly aggressive or hyperactive. —Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Typically, the two hyperactive German boys, Hans and Fritz, caused all sorts of troubles for the Captain and other grownups in the story. —Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2025

Then there’s the sharp but hyperactive steering, which makes the car difficult to place, forcing mid-corner corrections. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

For decades, doctors viewed ADHD as a condition that only affected male children—the stereotypical hyperactive boy. —Daliah Singer, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for hyperactive

• bioactive
• interactive
• nonreactive
• overactive
• psychoactive
• putrefactive
• retroactive
• unattractive
• unreactive
• vasoactive
• active
• tractive

Kids Definition

hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv 

: 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 

: 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