bipolar disorder

noun

: any of several psychological disorders of mood characterized usually by alternating episodes of depression and mania

called also bipolar illness, manic depression

Examples of bipolar disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Toxicology found evidence only of medications used to treat bipolar disorder, which Ackerman had been diagnosed with. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026

He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 26 years old after an intense episode. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026

Harbour has been open in the past about struggling with alcoholism and his diagnosis with bipolar disorder. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026

Kleiger is a renowned author of three novels and six professional books on the Rorschach test, psychosis, and bipolar disorders. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bipolar disorder

• boarder
• border
• corder
• order
• warder
• camcorder
• recorder
• reorder
• suborder
• transborder

Kids Definition

bipolar disorder

noun

: any of several psychological disorders of mood characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania

Medical Definition

bipolar disorder

noun

: any of several mood disorders characterized usually by alternating episodes of depression and mania

Note: The mania experienced in bipolar disorder may be of the euphoric or irritable type or both.

called also bipolar affective disorder, bipolar illness, manic depression, manic-depressive illness

compare major depressive disorder