eclectic

adjective

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eclec·tic | \ i-ˈklek-tik

, e-\

Definition of eclectic

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

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

eclectic

noun

Definition of eclectic (Entry 2 of 2)

: one who uses a method or approach that is composed of elements drawn from various sources : one who uses an eclectic method or approach

Other Words from eclectic Synonyms & Antonyms Eclectic Has a Philosophical History Example Sentences Learn More about eclectic

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Eclectic Has a Philosophical History

Adjective

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.

Examples of eclectic in a Sentence

Adjective 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 on the Web: Adjective The Hot Flashes are an exciting and eclectic group fronted by three female vocalists who have made a name for themselves on the New England music scene showcasing their tight vocal harmonies and jazzy acoustic stylings. — courant.com, "Community News For The Colchester Edition," 8 Nov. 2019 Of course, there’s more to Sydney than sun and sand—a sentiment made all the more apparent in Surry Hills, an eclectic neighborhood that has become a foodie mecca thanks to its multicultural past and bohemian renaissance. — Louise Hart, Town & Country, "4 International Itineraries for a Vacation Fit for a Royal," 7 Nov. 2019 Tree trunks made in varying sizes and constructed of plaster, copper and aluminum create an eclectic kind of forest. — Claire Bugos, Smithsonian, "Alicja Kwade’s Installation at the Hirshhorn Invites Viewers to Question the World as We Know It," 1 Nov. 2019 Its most charismatic ideologue was the young activist Ali Shariati, whose eclectic brand of left-wing Islamism was opposed by most clerics but embraced by Ayatollah Taleghani. — Arash Azizi, New York Times, "Azam Taleghani, Defiant Would-Be President of Iran, Dies at 76," 1 Nov. 2019 To celebrate her eclectic sonic universe, Blu put together this week’s #TBT Mixtape, featuring cuts by Prince, Steely Dan, Donna Summer and more. — Nick Williams, Billboard, "Listen to Blu DeTiger's Ibiza & CBGB-Inspired #TBT Mixtape," 31 Oct. 2019 Finally, the eclectic witch is one who draws on a number of traditions to form their own unique blend of witchcraft. — Kirsten Thompson, Teen Vogue, "Witchcraft Misconceptions: What You Need to Know About Modern Witches," 31 Oct. 2019 Paul Barrere, a singer-songwriter and guitarist for the eclectic band Little Feat, which mixed California rock with New Orleans funk over a half century of extended jams and fiery performances, died Oct. 26 at a hospital in Los Angeles. — Harrison Smith, Washington Post, "Paul Barrere, guitarist and singer-songwriter for Little Feat, dies at 71," 30 Oct. 2019 Katie Holmes' Instagram has an undeniably artistic and eclectic aesthetic. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "Katie Holmes Shares Portrait That Looks Like Daughter Suri Drew It," 26 Oct. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Central Lodi has blocks filled with bike shops and clothing stores, wine bars and beer joints, white-linen dining and ethnic eclectics. — Ken Van Vechten, latimes.com, "Stuck in Lodi again? Relax with a glass of Zinfandel," 21 Dec. 2017 By allying himself with the eclectics, Lloyd was ostracized by regular pharmacists. — Jeff Suess, Cincinnati.com, "Our history: Lloyd Library is legacy of pharmacist brothers," 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, "Hip 'Love Bash' bridal, wedding show set for Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (photos)," 21 July 2017

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.

History and Etymology for eclectic

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

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