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
But hundreds of families with children with autism or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have filed legal challenges over similar claims.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
Well, a new study suggests that not all minds that wander are lost, either, specifically those diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
—Liz Regalia, Parents, 28 Oct. 2025
There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyperactivity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
How prevalence is determined Clinicians diagnose ADHD based on symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025
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Solcyré Burga, Time, 28 Oct. 2025
Well, a new study suggests that not all minds that wander are lost, either, specifically those diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
—Liz Regalia, Parents, 28 Oct. 2025
There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyperactivity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
How prevalence is determined Clinicians diagnose ADHD based on symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
—Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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