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
Grasso has inspired many fans by speaking openly on social media about her diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postpartum depression.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
Ritalin is a stimulant that is prescribed to treat attention-defecit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
It is largely characterized by manic episodes (periods of elation and hyperactivity), which are then followed by depressive episodes (sadness and depression).
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Using it, scientists suppressed RTN hyperactivity in the mice.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactivity
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Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
Ritalin is a stimulant that is prescribed to treat attention-defecit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
—Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
It is largely characterized by manic episodes (periods of elation and hyperactivity), which are then followed by depressive episodes (sadness and depression).
—Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Using it, scientists suppressed RTN hyperactivity in the mice.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 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 17 Sep. 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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