eclectic

adjective

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

After the initial cocktail hour, which highlighted the designer’s love for eclectic flowers and served drinks playfully named Spring is in the Bloomies, guests sat down for a healthful dinner. — Isiah Magsino, Vogue, "Bloomingdale’s Toasts Prabal Gurung With a Dinner of Hemp Pasta and CBD Salsa," 10 Apr. 2019 Hers is one of the most eclectic résumés in TV news. — Wendy Naugle, Glamour, "Cynthia McFadden Went Into the Triangle of Death," 14 Mar. 2019 There were guys who ... Really eclectic, yeah. Guys who ... — Eric Johnson, Recode, "‘Eighth Grade’ director Bo Burnham is happy that a lot of people ‘have no idea who I am’," 30 July 2018 This is our second year working with Claws, which is based on the TV show around a group of women that run a nail art salon, who are super amazing, eclectic, and dynamic. — Samantha Tse, Allure, "Eda Levenson Shares Her Process Behind Designing the Coolest Nail Art with TNT's Claws," 26 July 2018 Within walking distance of downtown Vancouver, Opus has an eclectic, colorful design scheme, and offers in-room massages. — Bridget Hallinan, Condé Nast Traveler, "Flight Deal: U.S. to Vancouver from $293 Round-Trip," 19 July 2018 Some call it historic, others eclectic, but most call it friendly. — Guillermo Contreras, San Antonio Express-News, "King William Fair is a family neighborhood affair," 28 Apr. 2018 My look was eclectic but with a rocker’s perspective. — Marc Myers, WSJ, "Led Zeppelin Changed the Life of John Varvatos—and It Wasn’t the Music," 11 Dec. 2018 Dolce has always been big on family, and each member of the bunch was well-represented within the eclectic group assembled for this collection. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Can Anything Top Dolce & Gabbana’s Star-Studded Spring Cast?," 23 Sep. 2018

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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