excitable

adjective

ex·​cit·​able ik-ˈsī-tə-bəl How to pronounce excitable (audio)
1
: capable of being readily roused into action or a state of excitement or irritability
2
: capable of being activated by and reacting to stimuli
excitable cells
excitability noun
excitableness noun

Examples of excitable in a Sentence

an excitable child who needs a stable home life
Recent Examples on the Web Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Dementia Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes episodes of depression and episodes of mania (a state of abnormally elevated and excitable mood). Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024 But the filthiest thing about it is the way the music underscores the lyrics, as lascivious a bump and grind as Nikki could’ve hoped to find, complete with overheated shrieks and wails from Prince giving way to some suitably excitable guitar leads. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 27 June 2024 Follow along for live coverage Break beats reverberated down the Rue de Rivoli, while an MC could be heard whipping up the crowd into an excitable frenzy. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 9 Aug. 2024 Containing the excitable puppies in the helicopter proved difficult, Smith said. Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for excitable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'excitable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of excitable was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near excitable

Cite this Entry

“Excitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excitable. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

excitable

adjective
ex·​cit·​able ik-ˈsīt-ə-bəl How to pronounce excitable (audio)
1
: easily excited
2
: capable of being excited
excitability noun

Medical Definition

excitable

adjective
ex·​cit·​able ik-ˈsīt-ə-bəl How to pronounce excitable (audio)
of living tissue or an organism
: capable of being activated by and reacting to stimuli : exhibiting irritability
the biochemistry of excitable membranesScience
excitability noun
plural excitabilities

More from Merriam-Webster on excitable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!