DictionaryAI

eclectic

ek-LEK-tik/ɛkˈlɛk.tɪk/UKi-KLEK-tik/ɪˈklɛk.tɪk/

Noun pluraleclectics

2 meanings of eclectic

Practice

  1. 1
    adjective
    Choosing from or mixing many different kinds of ideas, styles, or things, not just one.

    My grandma has eclectic taste in music, from old jazz to new pop songs.

    The yard sale had an eclectic collection of toys, tools, and old hats.

    UsageSay eclectic taste in music or an eclectic mix of things.

    Oppositenarrow, uniform, homogeneous

    Note
  2. 2
    personnouncountable
    A person who takes the best parts of different ideas or styles and mixes them.

    As an artist, she was an eclectic who mixed many styles.

    Painters who are eclectics take the best ideas from many old masters.

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from French, from a Greek word meaning "selective", from a verb meaning "to pick, choose".

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts