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
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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
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
First Known Use: 1683
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
First Known Use: 1817
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
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