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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

 Their style of cooking is eclectic, drawing on barbecue traditions from Texas, Memphis, Kansas City, and the Carolinas, among other locales. — Rachel Lebeaux, BostonGlobe.com, "Sizzling, salty, and chill: Where to eat out this summer," 21 June 2019 The Nordic-Japanese fare is eclectic and delectable and the atmosphere is laidback and airy, and features amazing design pieces from Jean Prouvé to Le Corbusier. — Ella Riley-adams, Vogue, "Mette Hay’s Guide to a Design-Filled Weekend in Copenhagen," 18 June 2019 But the mix of people bumping shoulders over Mamby on the Beach is as eclectic as this year’s lineup. — Chicago Tribune Staff, chicagotribune.com, "Daywatch: Chicago's daunting budget hole, Mamby's move to Montrose makes waves and other things to know to start your day," 17 June 2019 Actually, my taste in music is very eclectic; everything from classical to Mongolian heavy metal. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Finding and supporting tech talent in North County," 16 June 2019 BVHospitality is known for quirky, eclectic cocktail menus, including those at Trick Dog in the Mission District. — Justin Phillips, SFChronicle.com, "Chase Center announces bars and beverage options for new Warriors arena," 31 July 2019 In the dining room, floral-print chairs and a display of mismatched plates inspired by an old family recipe box showcase Nicole’s taste for eclectic vintage decor. — Marni Elyse Katz, BostonGlobe.com, "This delightfully designed home makes life easier for a child with mobility challenges," 25 July 2019 The list of items Amazon prohibits is diverse and eclectic. — Louise Matsakis, WIRED, "Why You Still Can’t Buy Fireworks on Amazon," 1 July 2019 Diverse and eclectic, the area is undergoing a renaissance, as its neighbor, South Park, did a few years ago. — Martina Schimitschek, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Golden Hill: Once-fashionable neighborhood is having a renaissance," 30 June 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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