eclectic

adjective eclec·tic \ i-ˈklek-tik , e- \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Examples: eclectic in a Sentence

Editor's Note: eclectic Has a Philosophical History

Definition of eclectic

1 : composed of elements drawn from various sources; also : heterogeneous

2 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles

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eclectically

play \i-ˈklek-ti-k(ə-)lē, e-\ adverb

See eclectic defined for English-language learners

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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

They are run by seasoned political operatives who have become more eclectic in their choices.

— The Economist, "David Koch’s retirement and the conservative movement," 7 June 2018
Halle said their children are starting to become used to moving around the country and have developed an eclectic mix of accents from the West Coast, New England and Chicago.

— frank vaisvilas, Lake County News-Sun, "From Grayslake to the North Pole: Lake County native describes service aboard submarine," 7 June 2018
The eclectic Front Porch Stage, with extended hours for 2018, has moved from the roof of the Harris Theater to Wrigley Square, at the park's northwest corner near Randolph and Michigan.

— david whiteis, Chicago Reader, "The Reader’s guide to the 2018 Chicago Blues Festival," 5 June 2018
The eclectic decor includes pieces owner Matt White found during his travels and counter tops are sourced from an old Texas bowling alley.

— perri ormont blumberg, Southern Living, "You've Got to See This Shipping Container Hotel in Round Top, Texas," 4 June 2018
Democrats Keep Rallying Around Women Democrats nominated an eclectic group of candidates, including liberals and moderates, military veterans and lawyers, political newcomers and seasoned politicians.

— alexander burns, BostonGlobe.com, "Pa. primary votes show sharp lines," 16 May 2018
The total 1,564 Rockefeller lots reflected the couple’s eclectic tastes in everything from fine furniture, porcelain and ceramics to duck decoys and blue-chip art that graced their various properties and David’s bank office.

— Washington Post, "Rockefeller treasures break record for single-owner auction," 12 May 2018
The total 1,564 Rockefeller lots reflected the couple's eclectic tastes in everything from fine furniture, porcelain and ceramics to duck decoys and blue-chip art that graced their various properties and David's bank office.

— verena dobnik, chicagotribune.com, "Rockefeller treasures break record for single-owner auction at over $800 million," 11 May 2018
Instead, the eclectic group will cover the history of protest music, from Africa to America.

— jeremy hallock, star-telegram, "Think protest music and anger go hand-in-hand? Not when Mwenso & The Shakes perform it | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 26 Apr. 2018

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.