hectic

adjective

hec·​tic ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio)
1
: characterized by activity, excitement, or confusion
the hectic days before the holidays
2
a
medical : of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)
b
: having a hectic fever
a hectic patient
3
: red, flushed
hectic color on her cheeks
hectically adverb
hectically busy

Did you know?

Semantic Crisis Intervention

Some people are bothered by changes in a word’s meaning (see: literally), while others have a more relaxed attitude towards semantic drift. For those who feel vexed when a word seems to have suddenly changed its spots, it may be of some comfort to know that words in English do this all the time; crisis is a fine example. Originally, crisis denoted “the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever.” Now it most commonly means “a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention,” yet few people insist that it should be used exclusively in its older meaning. The normality of semantic change can be seen in another word that first appeared in febrile contexts: hectic, which now is primarily used to mean “very busy,” originally referred to a fever that was fluctuating but recurrent.

Examples of hectic in a Sentence

We both had hectic days at work. She maintains a hectic schedule as a journalist and mother.
Recent Examples on the Web That aside, normal service has resumed since the hectic Qwerty era. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 21 Mar. 2024 The exhaustion could be related to a number of issues: insomnia disorders, a hectic work schedule, anxiety, eating habits, and potentially, your partner. Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2024 In early 2023, Christina praised her husband’s dedication to his family despite his hectic early-morning schedule. Kara Nesvig, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 In that one, Moment Factory did a sublime job of using the gorgeous space to take visitors into another realm, one of spirituality, nature, and, most importantly in these hectic times, relaxation. Steve Baltin, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 Despite their busy schedules and hectic lives as television stars, the couple have been married for 25 — going on 26 — years and Preston exclusively tells PEOPLE of the mantra that's keep their hearts warm after all these years. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 All of which means that delivering the satisfying, sink-into-your-sofa consolation of such shows involves a hectic, grueling, often maddening sprint to assemble new troupes of actors week after week, with casting directors receiving hundreds, sometimes thousands of submissions for every role. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2024 The game offered a contrast in styles: Mater Dei’s inside muscle vs. Mission Hills’ push-the-ball-up-the-floor, hectic pace and 3-point shooting. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Feb. 2024 Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection Director Joe Wright’s version of the Jane Austen classic stars Keira Knightley as the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet, who juggles family drama with a rather hectic romantic life. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hectic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English etyk, from Anglo-French etique, from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikos habitual, consumptive, from echein to have — more at scheme entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of hectic was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near hectic

Cite this Entry

“Hectic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hectic. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hectic

adjective
hec·​tic ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio)
1
: being hot and flushed
2
: filled with excitement, activity, or confusion
a hectic day of shopping
hectically adverb

Medical Definition

hectic

adjective
hec·​tic ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)
2
: having a hectic fever
a hectic patient

More from Merriam-Webster on hectic

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