eclectic
Americanadjective
-
selecting or choosing from various sources.
-
made up of what is selected from different sources.
-
not following any one system, as of philosophy, medicine, etc., but selecting and using what are considered the best elements of all systems.
-
noting or pertaining to works of architecture, decoration, landscaping, etc., produced by a certain person or during a certain period, that derive from a wide range of historic styles, the style in each instance often being chosen for its fancied appropriateness to local tradition, local geography, the purpose to be served, or the cultural background of the client.
noun
adjective
-
(in art, philosophy, etc) selecting what seems best from various styles, doctrines, ideas, methods, etc
-
composed of elements drawn from a variety of sources, styles, etc
noun
Other Word Forms
- eclectically adverb
- noneclectic adjective
- noneclectically adverb
- uneclectic adjective
- uneclectically adverb
Etymology
Origin of eclectic
First recorded in 1675–85; from Greek eklektikós “selective,” from eklekt(ós) “chosen, selected” (past participle of eklég(ein) “to pick out, choose,” from ek- ec- ( def. ) + légein “to pick up, gather, count, speak”; dialect ( def. ) ) + -ikos -ic
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Set in downtown LA, it’s an eclectic, colorful boutique hotel with vintage brick details and excellent service.
From Salon
She explored different styles of music throughout her youth and became a part of the eclectic DIY scene in Philadelphia.
From Los Angeles Times
We move to the living area, and looking over my eclectic CD collection, we talk about music we like.
From Los Angeles Times
The result is a daring collection of originals and covers that highlight Flea’s unbridled dedication to both the trumpet and bass, but also his eclectic influences and tastes.
From Los Angeles Times
Her background is particularly eclectic: an engineer by training, she is a seasoned explorer who has worked in extreme environments including Antarctica.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
