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 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
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): This condition often begins in childhood and causes hyperactivity, impulsivity, or inattention.
—Sunny Sea Gold, Health, 29 June 2024
Before its license was revoked, Trails Carolina, in Lake Toxaway, served children with behavioral issues and diagnoses such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 25 June 2024
This can include children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, or any condition that sets them apart.
—Sherri Gordon, Clc, Parents, 20 June 2024
The six biotypes of depression the authors found include one characterized by hyperactivity in cognitive regions, which was associated with more anxiety, negative bias, threat dysregulation and anhedonia than other biotypes.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for hyperactivity 
Sunny Sea Gold, Health, 29 June 2024
Before its license was revoked, Trails Carolina, in Lake Toxaway, served children with behavioral issues and diagnoses such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 25 June 2024
This can include children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, or any condition that sets them apart.
—Sherri Gordon, Clc, Parents, 20 June 2024
The six biotypes of depression the authors found include one characterized by hyperactivity in cognitive regions, which was associated with more anxiety, negative bias, threat dysregulation and anhedonia than other biotypes.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 20 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for hyperactivity
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hyperactivity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Hyperactivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperactivity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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 disorder
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