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Definition of "eclectic" []

  • Selecting or employing individual elements from a variety of sources, systems, or styles: an eclectic taste in music; an eclectic approach to managing the economy. (adjective)
  • Made up of or combining elements from a variety of sources: "a popular bar patronized by an eclectic collection of artists, writers, secretaries and aging soldiers on reserve duty” ( Curtis Wilkie). (adjective)
  • One that follows an eclectic method. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "eclectic" in a sentence
  • "Richard Cahan, co-author with Michael Williams of the 400-page art book "Edgar Miller and the Handmade Home," published in 2009, mentioned the word "eclectic" to describe Miller's style, then took it back."
  • "She’s not my type: meaner than me, taller than me, has a kid, uses the word eclectic in her stories too often."
  • "- edited by Richard Vague - and sign up for what he describes as eclectic little excerpts delivered to your inbox every day."