hyperactivity
noun
hy·per·ac·tiv·i·ty
ˌhī-pər-ˌak-ˈti-və-tē 
1
: the state or condition of being overly active
Canada geese are disarmingly expressive. … They disdain the frantic hyperactivity of smaller birds.—
Benjamin B. Bachman
Benjamin B. Bachman2
: increased levels of function or activity especially when considered abnormally excessive
She had developed delusions of invincibility, along with bouts of hyperactivity and severe insomnia.—Per Ola and Emily D'Aulaire
Per Ola and Emily D'Aulaire
especially
: higher than usual levels of movement and activity (such as excessive talking or fidgeting) typically associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
An estimated 1 in 50 school-age children in the United States, receive stimulant medication to help quell inattentiveness and hyperactivity. —Christine Mlot
Christine Mlot Examples of hyperactivity in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Wakeman's son has autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
He was prescribed various medications to treat his alcohol use and his attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, investigators wrote.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2025
For example, as data reveals emerging trends, such as an increase in college students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, training can be provided to clinicians in treating students with these concerns.
—Jeffrey A. Hayes, The Conversation, 12 June 2025
Since some studies have suggested a link between low magnesium levels and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), those with ADHD may consider taking magnesium.
—Lindsay Cook, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactivity
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Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
He was prescribed various medications to treat his alcohol use and his attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, investigators wrote.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2025
For example, as data reveals emerging trends, such as an increase in college students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, training can be provided to clinicians in treating students with these concerns.
—Jeffrey A. Hayes, The Conversation, 12 June 2025
Since some studies have suggested a link between low magnesium levels and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), those with ADHD may consider taking magnesium.
—Lindsay Cook, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactivity
Cite this Entry
“Hyperactivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperactivity. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
hyperactivity
noun
hy·per·ac·tiv·i·ty
ˌhī-pə-ˌrak-ˈtiv-ət-ē
plural hyperactivities
: a state or condition of being excessively or pathologically active
especially
: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
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