hyperactive
adjective
hy·per·ac·tive
ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv 
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
This hyperactive rhythm section allowed Belew and Fripp to expand the definition of lead guitarists.
—
Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 11 Jan. 2026
The Aussie trio’s rowdy rants, unpretentious attitudes and pub accents come across as the hyperactive equivalent of chasing a can of Red Bull with a round of Malort shots.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Bear in mind that those 55 million impressions were totted up long before Nielsen began counting scores of drowsing aunts and hyperactive toddlers among its national TV deliveries.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Nov. 2025
Four of those were in the hyperactive 2005 hurricane season.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
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Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 11 Jan. 2026
The Aussie trio’s rowdy rants, unpretentious attitudes and pub accents come across as the hyperactive equivalent of chasing a can of Red Bull with a round of Malort shots.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Bear in mind that those 55 million impressions were totted up long before Nielsen began counting scores of drowsing aunts and hyperactive toddlers among its national TV deliveries.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Nov. 2025
Four of those were in the hyperactive 2005 hurricane season.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactive
Cite this Entry
“Hyperactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperactive. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hyperactive
adjective
hy·per·ac·tive
ˌhī-pər-ˈak-tiv
: very active especially to an abnormal amount
hyperactivity
noun
-ak-ˈtiv-ət-ē
Medical Definition
hyperactive
1 of 2 adjective
hy·per·ac·tive
ˌhī-pə-ˈrak-tiv
: 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
Kathy Fackelmann, Science NewsA 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
David Gates. Newsweek
broadly
: more active than is usual or desirable
hyperactive
2 of 2 noun
: an individual who is hyperactive
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