high-strung

adjective

ˈhī-ˈstrəŋ 

: having an extremely nervous or sensitive temperament

Synonyms of high-strung

• excitable
• nervous

Examples of high-strung in a Sentence

a dog that tends to be high-strung is not the best pet for young children

Recent Examples on the Web

The same is true of Sonny and Sal, his high-strung henchman. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2026

Carlton Preppy, high-strung, ambitious, sweater vest-wearing, Tom Jones-loving cousin to the Fresh Prince. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 9 June 2026

But the real shock here is Wilde, who not only knows how to keep viewers on the back foot as a filmmaker but slides into a neurotic register and off-kilter comic timing for her high-strung hostess that fit her like rubber glove. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026

Angela, a high-strung perfectionist, spends the day meticulously preparing dinner and decorating the apartment for the impromptu gathering. — Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

high-strung

adjective

-ˈstreŋ

: very nervous or sensitive

a dog too high-strung for children

Medical Definition

high-strung

adjective

-ˈstrəŋ 

: having an extremely nervous or sensitive temperament