overactive

adjective

over·​ac·​tive ˌō-vər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
: excessively or abnormally active
overactive glands
an overactive imagination
overactivity noun

Examples of overactive in a Sentence

She has an overactive bladder. His crazy ideas are products of an overactive imagination.
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.
It is often associated with underlying health issues such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), or certain psychological disorders. Sarah Jividen, Health, 5 Dec. 2024 These include treating overactive bladder and urinary incontinence due to nerve conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury. Rosanna Sutherby, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 27 Nov. 2024 People with overactive bladders will have that urge to go when hearing running water from a sink, toilet or shower. Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024 The exact cause of IBD remains uncertain, but it is thought to involve an overactive immune response, genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overactive 

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of overactive was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near overactive

Cite this Entry

“Overactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overactive. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

overactive

adjective
over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
: very active and especially abnormally so
an overactive thyroid
overactivity noun

Medical Definition

overactive

adjective
over·​ac·​tive ˌō-və-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce overactive (audio)
: excessively or abnormally active
an overactive mind
overactive glands
overactivity noun
plural overactivities

More from Merriam-Webster on overactive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!