hectic

adjective

hec·​tic ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio)
1
: characterized by activity, excitement, or confusion
the hectic days before the holidays
2
a
medical : of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)
b
: having a hectic fever
a hectic patient
3
: red, flushed
hectic color on her cheeks
hectically adverb
hectically busy

Did you know?

Semantic Crisis Intervention

Some people are bothered by changes in a word’s meaning (see: literally), while others have a more relaxed attitude towards semantic drift. For those who feel vexed when a word seems to have suddenly changed its spots, it may be of some comfort to know that words in English do this all the time; crisis is a fine example. Originally, crisis denoted “the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever.” Now it most commonly means “a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention,” yet few people insist that it should be used exclusively in its older meaning. The normality of semantic change can be seen in another word that first appeared in febrile contexts: hectic, which now is primarily used to mean “very busy,” originally referred to a fever that was fluctuating but recurrent.

Examples of hectic in a Sentence

We both had hectic days at work. She maintains a hectic schedule as a journalist and mother.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the moment though, with Manchester United’s hectic two-game-a-week schedule, everything Dalot does is focused on recovering for the next game. Steve Price, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Having one postseason tournament this season made Cantu’s winter less hectic. Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025 The hectic newborn period doesn’t last forever (phew). Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025 Delray Beach Starting in south Florida, head north of hectic Miami and Fort Lauderdale for a more community feel in the gorgeous beach burg of Delray Beach, where tangles of sea grape trees line the sand, and the shops and boutiques of lively Atlantic Avenue are steps from the beach. Terry Ward, AFAR Media, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hectic

Word History

Etymology

Middle English etyk, from Anglo-French etique, from Late Latin hecticus, from Greek hektikos habitual, consumptive, from echein to have — more at scheme entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of hectic was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Hectic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hectic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

hectic

adjective
hec·​tic ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio)
1
: being hot and flushed
2
: filled with excitement, activity, or confusion
a hectic day of shopping
hectically adverb

Medical Definition

hectic

adjective
hec·​tic ˈhek-tik How to pronounce hectic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or being a fluctuating but persistent fever (as in tuberculosis)
2
: having a hectic fever
a hectic patient

More from Merriam-Webster on hectic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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