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eclectic

adjective
eclec·​tic | \ i-ˈklek-tik How to pronounce eclectic (audio) , e-\

Definition of eclectic

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : composed of elements drawn from various sources also : heterogeneous
2 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles

eclectic

noun

Definition of eclectic (Entry 2 of 2)

: one who uses a method or approach that is composed of elements drawn from various sources : one who uses an eclectic method or approach
Other Words from eclectic Synonyms & Antonyms Eclectic Has a Philosophical History Example Sentences Learn More about eclectic

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Other Words from eclectic

Adjective

eclectically \ i-​ˈklek-​ti-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce eclectically (audio) , e-​ \ adverb

Eclectic Has a Philosophical History

Adjective

Eclectic comes from a Greek verb meaning "to select" and was originally applied to ancient philosophers who were not committed to any single system of philosophy; instead, these philosophers selected whichever doctrines pleased them from every school of thought. Later, the word's use broadened to cover other selective natures. "Hard by, the central slab is thick with books / Diverse, but which the true eclectic mind / Knows how to group, and gather out of each / Their frequent wisdoms...." In this 19th century example from a poem by Arthur Joseph Munby, for example, the word is applied to literature lovers who cull selective works from libraries.

Examples of eclectic in a Sentence

Adjective

 All around us, fishers galumphed past.  … They carried an eclectic array of rods, nets, buckets and coolers. — Stephen C. Sautner, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2000 Her witty, mordant and splendidly vinegary observations were informed by broad and eclectic reading. — George F. Will, Newsweek, 24 May 1999 The polo crowd is eclectic and dangerously hagridden with narcissism and treachery, and that is the way they like it. — Hunter S. Thompson, Rolling Stone, 15 Dec. 1994 … big wheels of country bread and eclectic selections of pâtés, hams, cheeses, honey and all sorts of homemade cookies and sweets. — Per-Henrik Mansson, Wine Spectator, 28 Feb. 1993 The collection includes an eclectic mix of historical artifacts. the museum's eclectic collection has everything from a giraffe skeleton to medieval musical instruments
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

 Unlike the rigid designs of past eras, Wright’s creations were organic and playful, incorporating eclectic elements like Japanese art and transcendentalist philosophy. — William To, azcentral, "Love in the time of loss: ‘Shining Brow’ and the life of Frank Lloyd Wright," 30 Aug. 2019 Emarie has long experience in event planning, and the eclectic table decor mixes elegant with rustic – think candelabras and sunflowers. — Georgeanne Brennan, The Mercury News, "Yolo County’s pop-up feasts capture the art of farm-to-fork dining," 29 Aug. 2019 Working Title, chef Asher’s raw bar and eclectic dinner spot, currently offers dishes like duck wings, baby back ribs and smoked trout. — Josie Sexton, The Know, "Golden’s first food hall, Tributary, is further proof that Golden’s food scene is heating up," 29 Aug. 2019 Today, the various facets of Rui Ho’s continent-hopping creative journey are reflected in her eclectic wardrobe. — Whitney Wei, Vogue, "This Stylish Berlin DJ Is Mixing Chinese Cybergoth With Ball Culture," 29 Aug. 2019 Burning Man, a nine-day festival, welcomes people from all over the world to experience eclectic costumes, art installations and musical performances. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, "Thousands of Burning Man fans are in the middle of a desert with a huge fire threat," 28 Aug. 2019 The 60-seat interior is getting a refresh from Michael Brennan, who also designed Toy Soldier, Zero Zero, Fleur de Lys and many other San Francisco restaurants, with warm colors, lots of wood and eclectic touches. — Janelle Bitker, SFChronicle.com, "Mexican restaurant Tin Cactus coming to San Francisco’s Belden Place," 28 Aug. 2019 From hilarious street performers and awe-inspiring architecture to mouth-watering cuisine and a laid back vibe, there’s no way you’ll be bored in one of Spain’s most eclectic cities. — Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "Black Travel Vibes: Madrid Is The Perfect End Of Summer Escape," 26 Aug. 2019 John is also the president, founder, and chief impresario of the Edge Foundation, which has earned a stellar reputation as an eclectic platform for conversations that involve scientists, artists, and technologists. — Evgeny Morozov, The New Republic, "Jeffrey Epstein’s Intellectual Enabler," 22 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Central Lodi has blocks filled with bike shops and clothing stores, wine bars and beer joints, white-linen dining and ethnic eclectics. — Ken Van Vechten, latimes.com, "Stuck in Lodi again? Relax with a glass of Zinfandel," 21 Dec. 2017 By allying himself with the eclectics, Lloyd was ostracized by regular pharmacists. — Jeff Suess, Cincinnati.com, "Our history: Lloyd Library is legacy of pharmacist brothers," 27 Oct. 2017 Borrow Vintage + Eclectic, which rents and retails furniture, home accessories by local designers, is hosting a designer's showcase and open house from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. — Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com, "Hip 'Love Bash' bridal, wedding show set for Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (photos)," 21 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'eclectic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of eclectic

Adjective

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1817, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for eclectic

Adjective

borrowed from Greek eklektikós "picking out, selecting what appears to be best," from eklektós "picked out, select" (verbal adjective of eklégein "to pick out, select," from ek- ec- + légein "to collect, gather, count, say") + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at legend

Noun

borrowed from Greek eklektikós "any of a group of philosophers who selected beliefs from a variety of schools of thought," noun derivative of eklektikós eclectic entry 1

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More Definitions for eclectic

eclectic

adjective
How to pronounce eclectic (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of eclectic

: including things taken from many different sources

See the full definition for eclectic in the English Language Learners Dictionary

eclectic

adjective
eclec·​tic | \ e-ˈklek-tik, i-\

Kids Definition of eclectic

: including things taken from many different sources The radio station plays an eclectic mix of music.

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