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
Several dyes have been linked to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in children or have been shown to cause cancer in mice or rats -- but none have shown to cause cancer in humans.
—Sony Salzman, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025
Before the tariffs took effect, pharmacists grappled with shortages of IV solution, chemotherapy drugs, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications and injectable drugs.
—Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
Known for its hyperactivity and teeming crowds of students, office workers, tourists and protesters, Union Square saw 49 business openings last year on top of the 57 opened in 2023, with the culinary sector driving 65 percent of the leasing activity.
—David Moin, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
Artificial colors also contribute to hyperactivity in children.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hyperactivity
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Sony Salzman, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2025
Before the tariffs took effect, pharmacists grappled with shortages of IV solution, chemotherapy drugs, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications and injectable drugs.
—Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
Known for its hyperactivity and teeming crowds of students, office workers, tourists and protesters, Union Square saw 49 business openings last year on top of the 57 opened in 2023, with the culinary sector driving 65 percent of the leasing activity.
—David Moin, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025
Artificial colors also contribute to hyperactivity in children.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 21 Feb. 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 29 Apr. 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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