hyperactivity
noun
hy·per·ac·tiv·i·ty
ˌhī-pər-ˌak-ˈti-və-tē 
1
: the state or condition of being overly active
Canada geese are disarmingly expressive. … They disdain the frantic hyperactivity of smaller birds.—
Benjamin B. Bachman
Benjamin B. Bachman2
: increased levels of function or activity especially when considered abnormally excessive
She had developed delusions of invincibility, along with bouts of hyperactivity and severe insomnia.—Per Ola and Emily D'Aulaire
Per Ola and Emily D'Aulaire
especially
: higher than usual levels of movement and activity (such as excessive talking or fidgeting) typically associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
An estimated 1 in 50 school-age children in the United States, receive stimulant medication to help quell inattentiveness and hyperactivity. —Christine Mlot
Christine Mlot Examples of hyperactivity in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The benefits were especially noticeable for children, adolescents, and people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Singh told Health.
—Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 20 June 2025
The report specifically highlights food colorings, like Red 40, as being associated with behavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
The Cleveland Clinic notes that the effects of Red Dye 40 are require further research, though some studies have linked artificial food dyes like red dye 40 to hyperactivity, including ADHD.
—James Powel, USA Today, 15 May 2025
These socioemotional problems included anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and aggression.
—Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactivity
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Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 20 June 2025
The report specifically highlights food colorings, like Red 40, as being associated with behavioral issues in children, including hyperactivity.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
The Cleveland Clinic notes that the effects of Red Dye 40 are require further research, though some studies have linked artificial food dyes like red dye 40 to hyperactivity, including ADHD.
—James Powel, USA Today, 15 May 2025
These socioemotional problems included anxiety, depression, hyperactivity and aggression.
—Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactivity
Cite this Entry
“Hyperactivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperactivity. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
hyperactivity
noun
hy·per·ac·tiv·i·ty
ˌhī-pə-ˌrak-ˈtiv-ət-ē
plural hyperactivities
: a state or condition of being excessively or pathologically active
especially
: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
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