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
Although it has long been classified as a mental-health disorder, it is often seen as a stage that can be outgrown; eventually, the hyperactive child learns to sit still.
—
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
The proggy, hyperactive aesthetic of Hiromi’s most recent music, via her Sonicwonder band — trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, bassist Hadrien Feraud, and drummer Gene Coye, an Evanston native — takes cues from video game scores.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
The condition is also being recognized more in adults, but just exhibiting hyperactive or impulsive behavior could mean many things.
—Christina Caron, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
His family, speaking in court, described him as a hyperactive kid who was placed in foster homes twice.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactive
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Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
The proggy, hyperactive aesthetic of Hiromi’s most recent music, via her Sonicwonder band — trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, bassist Hadrien Feraud, and drummer Gene Coye, an Evanston native — takes cues from video game scores.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
The condition is also being recognized more in adults, but just exhibiting hyperactive or impulsive behavior could mean many things.
—Christina Caron, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
His family, speaking in court, described him as a hyperactive kid who was placed in foster homes twice.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 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 20 May. 2025.
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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