high-strung

adjective

ˈhī-ˈstrəŋ 

: having an extremely nervous or sensitive temperament

Synonyms of high-strung

• excitable
• nervous

Examples of high-strung in a Sentence

a dog that tends to be high-strung is not the best pet for young children

Recent Examples on the Web

The visit is complicated by Everett’s (Mulroney) plans to propose to his high-strung girlfriend, Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker), whom Sybil does not approve of. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 18 July 2026

But the real shock here is Wilde, who not only knows how to keep viewers on the back foot as a filmmaker but slides into a neurotic register and off-kilter comic timing for her high-strung hostess that fit her like rubber glove. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026

Angela, a high-strung perfectionist, spends the day meticulously preparing dinner and decorating the apartment for the impromptu gathering. — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

The film follows Summer (McGraw), a high-strung teenager whose birthday getaway takes an unexpected turn when her free-spirited mom's new boyfriend joins the trip, who also happens to be her vice principal. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

high-strung

adjective

-ˈstreŋ

: very nervous or sensitive

a dog too high-strung for children

Medical Definition

high-strung

adjective

-ˈstrəŋ 

: having an extremely nervous or sensitive temperament