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
One key area of interest is the amygdala — a brain region that becomes notably hyperactive in mood and anxiety disorders.
—
Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025
For example, a child who eats copious amounts of candy on Halloween may be less likely to become hyperactive afterward.
—Dani Blum, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for hyperactive
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Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025
For example, a child who eats copious amounts of candy on Halloween may be less likely to become hyperactive afterward.
—Dani Blum, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for hyperactive
Cite this Entry
“Hyperactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperactive. Accessed 24 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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