hyperactive

adjective

hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce hyperactive (audio)
1
: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity
broadly : more active than is usual or desirable
2
: intricately or elaborately designed or detailed
hyperactive noun

Examples of hyperactive in a Sentence

the skyrocketing price of oil resulted in a wildly fluctuating, hyperactive stock market hyperactive children who are in dire need of a guardian with a firm hand
Recent Examples on the Web But a few months earlier, an independent team of scientists had correctly predicted that Io might be a hyperactive volcanic world. Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2023 Hot oceans, hyperactive hurricane seasons Sea-surface temperatures in the eastern Atlantic, where hurricanes are often born, are tracking well ahead of previous hyperactive hurricane seasons, Klotzbach said. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 6 July 2023 Studies have shown, for instance, that people with PTSD have hyperactive amygdalae, which are a region of the brain that helps process emotions. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 22 Oct. 2023 Wonder Flowers—a sort of hyperactive powerup—add a welcome sense of surprise to familiar tasks, whether Mario is transformed into a ball of goo, fighting against a shifting level itself, or answering trivia questions. WIRED, 20 Oct. 2023 California's new law lists alternative terms — hyperactive delirium, agitated delirium, and exhaustive mania — that will be restricted along with excited delirium starting in January. Markian Hawryluk, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2023 Fortunately, forward-thinking PR agencies are well-equipped with the networks and expertise to manage this hyperactive news cycle properly. Jessica Starman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2023 Experts say record-warm ocean temperatures have fueled a hyperactive Atlantic hurricane season that shows no signs of slowing. Jessie Yeung, CNN, 16 Sep. 2023 Sea surface temperatures in the Eastern Atlantic, where hurricanes are often born, are tracking well ahead of previous hyperactive hurricane seasons, Klotzbach said. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 4 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hyperactive.' 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

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperactive was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near hyperactive

Cite this Entry

“Hyperactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperactive. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.

Kids Definition

hyperactive

adjective
hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce hyperactive (audio)
: very active especially to an abnormal amount
hyperactivity
-ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē
noun

Medical Definition

hyperactive

1 of 2 adjective
hy·​per·​ac·​tive ˌhī-pə-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce hyperactive (audio)
: affected with or exhibiting hyperactivity
Scientists suspect in certain genetically susceptible people, the immune cells remain hyperactive long after the infectious agent has been cleared from the body.Kathy Fackelmann, Science News
A growing number of parents suspect that the powerful stimulant Ritalin—long prescribed for its paradoxically tranquilizing effect on hyperactive children—has become a convenience for teachers seeking quiet classrooms …David Gates. Newsweek
broadly : more active than is usual or desirable

hyperactive

2 of 2 noun
: an individual who is hyperactive

More from Merriam-Webster on hyperactive

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!