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
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Stimulants include drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription stimulants such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications.
—Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025
For example, a few kids experience increased hyperactivity or irritability in the first couple of weeks, but that typically subsides within a month.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
People with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism may share symptoms like fidgeting and restlessness.
—Laura Dorwart, Health, 29 Sep. 2025
Frye also said leucovorin can also intensify hyperactivity and behavioral issues.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactivity
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Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025
For example, a few kids experience increased hyperactivity or irritability in the first couple of weeks, but that typically subsides within a month.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
People with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism may share symptoms like fidgeting and restlessness.
—Laura Dorwart, Health, 29 Sep. 2025
Frye also said leucovorin can also intensify hyperactivity and behavioral issues.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 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 10 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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