Did you know?
Eclectic Has a Philosophical History
Eclectic comes from the Greek eklektikos (meaning "selective"), from the verb eklegein, "to select." Eclectic was originally applied to ancient philosophers who were not committed to any single system of philosophy but instead 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.
Synonyms
Examples of eclectic in a Sentence
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
See More
Joey Morona, cleveland, 17 Sep. 2023
Meanwhile, the Sun will trine eclectic Uranus in Taurus, bringing unexpected opportunities out of the woodwork in varying ways.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023
With an eclectic mix of pop divas serving as his choir, his bike in the center of the room becomes his pulpit, allowing his congregation to bask in the wisdom of his sermons.
—John Paul Brammer, SELF, 14 Sep. 2023
The inventory inside is nothing if not eclectic: lawn decorations, office chairs, prints of artworks, kitchen knick knacks and all types of furniture.
—oregonlive, 13 Sep. 2023
Her eclectic design sensibility has created opportunities to work with other major brands including Marc Jacobs and Nike.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2023
What’s Great About It The affordable selection of artisan rugs from around the world ensures shoppers can stay within budget while getting an eclectic option.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2023
Her kitchen’s champagne yellow paint and pops of green decor, paired with vintage white appliances and kitschy dishware lining the walls, reflect her eclectic and homey style.
—Abby Wilson, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2023
Fine jewelry line Catbird just opened its first L.A. storefront, blanketed in an eclectic mixture of leopard and plaid rugs, candy-stripe silk, green velvet and lace.
—The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2023
Ken Van Vechten, latimes.com, 21 Dec. 2017
By allying himself with the eclectics, Lloyd was ostracized by regular pharmacists.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati.com, 27 Oct. 2017
Borrow Vintage + Eclectic, which rents and retails furniture, home accessories by local designers, is hosting a designer's showcase and open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
—Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com, 21 July 2017
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eclectic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Adjective
borrowed from Greek eklektikós "picking out, selecting what appears to be best," from eklektós "picked out, select" (verbal adjective of eklégein "to pick out, select," from ek- ec- + légein "to collect, gather, count, say") + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at legend
Noun
borrowed from Greek eklektikós "any of a group of philosophers who selected beliefs from a variety of schools of thought," noun derivative of eklektikós eclectic entry 1
Podcast
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!
Dictionary Entries Near eclectic
Cite this Entry
“Eclectic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eclectic. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
eclectic
adjective
Medical Definition
eclectic
1 of 2 adjective
eclectic
2 of 2 noun
More from Merriam-Webster on eclectic
Nglish: Translation of eclectic for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of eclectic for Arabic Speakers
Share