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
There are other flashes of seriousness and thus beauty amid the hyperactivity of Hastie’s staging.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Other research has tied artificial colors to behavioral problems in some children, including hyperactivity and impulsivity, particularly for those at risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
Red #40, Yellow #6, and Blue #1 have been linked to hyperactivity in children and may cause mild allergic reactions such as itching or swelling in sensitive individuals.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
According to the Center for Science In The Public Interest, six out of 11 studies
found a connection between the food dye and genotoxicity, as well as hyperactivity in children.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactivity
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Jesse Green, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2025
Other research has tied artificial colors to behavioral problems in some children, including hyperactivity and impulsivity, particularly for those at risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
—Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
Red #40, Yellow #6, and Blue #1 have been linked to hyperactivity in children and may cause mild allergic reactions such as itching or swelling in sensitive individuals.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
According to the Center for Science In The Public Interest, six out of 11 studies
found a connection between the food dye and genotoxicity, as well as hyperactivity in children.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 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 24 May. 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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