hectic

adjective

hec·​tic ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio)
1
: characterized by activity, excitement, or confusion
the hectic days before the holidays
2
a
medical : of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)
b
: having a hectic fever
a hectic patient
3
: red, flushed
hectic color on her cheeks
hectically adverb
hectically busy

Did you know?

Semantic Crisis Intervention

Some people are bothered by changes in a word’s meaning (see: literally), while others have a more relaxed attitude towards semantic drift. For those who feel vexed when a word seems to have suddenly changed its spots, it may be of some comfort to know that words in English do this all the time; crisis is a fine example. Originally, crisis denoted “the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever.” Now it most commonly means “a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention,” yet few people insist that it should be used exclusively in its older meaning. The normality of semantic change can be seen in another word that first appeared in febrile contexts: hectic, which now is primarily used to mean “very busy,” originally referred to a fever that was fluctuating but recurrent.

Examples of hectic in a Sentence

We both had hectic days at work. She maintains a hectic schedule as a journalist and mother.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And with a hectic pace of life, human memory can only retain so much. Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Saying Washington is in good spirits and communicating with the front office multiple times a day, the oldest manager in the major leagues at 73 will slow down his hectic schedule after undergoing a battery of medical exams over the past week. Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 27 June 2025 In fact, the trade market was surprisingly dormant league-wide after widespread anticipation that a hectic two nights were in store. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 June 2025 Furthermore, structure, routine and predictable schedules are not just ways for parents to keep track of the hectic schedules of their children, but also have been demonstrated to improve sleep, physical health, mood, anxiety and academic success. Nasuh Malas, Scientific American, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hectic

Word History

Etymology

Middle English etyk, from Anglo-French etique, from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikos habitual, consumptive, from echein to have — more at scheme entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of hectic was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hectic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hectic. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

hectic

adjective
hec·​tic ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio)
1
: being hot and flushed
2
: filled with excitement, activity, or confusion
a hectic day of shopping
hectically adverb

Medical Definition

hectic

adjective
hec·​tic ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)
2
: having a hectic fever
a hectic patient

More from Merriam-Webster on hectic

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