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
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.
Girls may, for example, struggle with time management, daydreaming or being a chatterbox and are more likely to be diagnosed with the primarily inattentive type of ADHD over the hyperactive type. Daliah Singer, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025 The 2025 hurricane season is underway and will last 183 days, and all signs point to an intense and active period driven by record warm Atlantic Ocean Temperature and the transition to neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation conditions, which together set the stage for a hyperactive season. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Filming wrapped in February, and a release date has yet to be announced. Transforming a wildly popular, hyperactive manga with more than 1,100 episodes into a live-action series is no easy feat, but Netflix's reimagining of One Piece pleased noobs and fans alike. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 May 2025 The four-day event was designed as a boot camp for content creators who hoped to someday reign over their own empire of influence, having grown up watching how the hyperactive, over-the-top antics of YouTubers and Twitch streamers turned them into multimillionaire moguls. Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for hyperactive

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperactive was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Hyperactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperactive. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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
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