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Definition of eclectic
1 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles
2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources; also : heterogeneous
From the M-W Editors
eclectic was our Word of the Day on 03/09/2010. Hear the podcast!
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Examples of eclectic in a Sentence
All around us, fishers galumphed past. … They carried an eclectic array of rods, nets, buckets and coolers. —Stephen C. Sautner, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2000
Her witty, mordant and splendidly vinegary observations were informed by broad and eclectic reading. —George F. Will, Newsweek, 24 May 1999
The polo crowd is eclectic and dangerously hagridden with narcissism and treachery, and that is the way they like it. —Hunter S. Thompson, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 1994
… big wheels of country bread and eclectic selections of pâtés, hams, cheeses, honey and all sorts of homemade cookies and sweets. —Per-Henrik Mansson, Wine Spectator, 28 Feb. 1993
The collection includes an eclectic mix of historical artifacts.
the museum's eclectic collection has everything from a giraffe skeleton to medieval musical instruments
Recent Examples of eclectic from the Web
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The novelty of food trucks and the eclectic fare is what's drawing folks to food trucks, found at kitchen-less microbreweries and festivals and now forest preserves, too.
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The eclectic crowd features diehard Murphey fans, symphony enthusiasts and couples looking for a fun day out.
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These startups are part of the eclectic mix that makes up The Wall Street Journal’s ranking of 25 technology companies to watch—companies that show signs of becoming emerging leaders in some of the most dynamic parts of the tech industry.
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The eclectic space has been re-invented with 44 loft-style rooms, a rooftop bar, and a basement bar with shuffleboard.
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Doors and custom woodwork: Labyrinth Metal roofing and siding: Architectural Metalworks Driveway materials: ML Masonry Eclectic furnishings: Impact Imports & 208 Auctions Bathroom tilework: Paul Doan Unlimited Digital Access for just $1.99.
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Drinks are equally fun and eclectic, with brightly colored juices mixed with tequila or rum, some of which are served in vintage tiki mugs.
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In the eclectic Surfing Buddha Emporium, owner Charlie McAulay Robertson, 64, believes Sturgeon will cement her support, despite an attempt by resurgent Conservatives to target key SNP figures.
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Stevenson finished 18-13, and the team's roster was an eclectic mix of next-level athletes and up-and-coming underclassmen.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'eclectic'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
eclectic Has a Philosophical History
Eclectic comes from a Greek verb meaning "to select" and was originally applied to ancient philosophers who were not committed to any single system of philosophy; instead, these philosophers selected whichever doctrines pleased them from every school of thought. Later, the word's use broadened to cover other selective natures. "Hard by, the central slab is thick with books / Diverse, but which the true eclectic mind / Knows how to group, and gather out of each / Their frequent wisdoms...." In this 19th century example from a poem by Arthur Joseph Munby, for example, the word is applied to literature lovers who cull selective works from libraries.
Origin and Etymology of eclectic
Greek eklektikos, from eklegein to select, from ex- out + legein to gather — more at legend
Definition of eclectic
: one who uses a method or approach that is composed of elements drawn from various sources : one who uses an eclectic method or approach
Origin and Etymology of eclectic
see 1eclectic
ECLECTIC Defined for English Language Learners
eclectic
playDefinition of eclectic for English Language Learners
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: including things taken from many different sources
ECLECTIC Defined for Kids
eclectic
Definition of eclectic for Students
: including things taken from many different sources The radio station plays an eclectic mix of music.
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of eclectic
1: selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines or methods
2: of, relating to, or practicing eclecticism
eclectic
Medical Definition of eclectic
: one who uses an eclectic method or approach
Learn More about eclectic
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See words that rhyme with eclectic Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for eclectic Spanish Central: Translation of eclectic Nglish: Translation of eclectic for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of eclectic for Arabic speakers
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