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
Recent Examples of eclectic from the Web
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But the score is character-driven, therefore eclectic.
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As for art, Kardashian's taste is nothing short of eclectic.
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The music continues to be an eclectic mix, ranging from hard rock to jazz and featuring student artists, many of whom are friends she's met as a member of Central's Marching Redhawks band.
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It was known for an eclectic burger and beer selection.
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Anyway, only an eclectic would even give a listen to today’s tune.
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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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The gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze, the crunch of twigs underfoot, and the eclectic mix of birdsong are the sounds one typically expects to hear while walking through the forest.
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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