adjective
Uncommon
hyper
HEYE-puh
Hyper (adjective) means Informal: overly excited, energetic, or wound up. Example: “The kids got hyper after eating all that candy.”
adjective
1
Informal: overly excited, energetic, or wound up.
"The kids got hyper after eating all that candy."
"My little brother is always hyper before a birthday party."
"Don't give the puppy another biscuit, because it gets far too hyper afterwards."
How to use hyper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBursting with restless energy — bouncing off the walls.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "hyper-" as a prefix (as in hypertension) — used alone, "hyper" is casual slang for excitable energy.
When to use it
Informal; used in everyday speech far more than in technical or formal writing.
Common pairings
get hyper
act hyper
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like hyper.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- hypers
- Past tense
- hypered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The kids got _____ after eating all that candy.
Etymology
A shortened, everyday form of words built from the prefix "hyper-" (meaning "over" or "excessive"), most commonly standing in for "hyperactive."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “hyper” mean?
The word “hyper” means informal: overly excited, energetic, or wound up. In plain terms, bursting with restless energy — bouncing off the walls.
How do you pronounce “hyper”?
“Hyper” is pronounced HEYE-puh (/ˈhaɪ.pəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hyper” in a sentence?
Here is “hyper” used in a sentence: “The kids got hyper after eating all that candy.”
What part of speech is “hyper”?
“Hyper” is an adjective.
Is “hyper” a common word?
“Hyper” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "hyper" and "excited"?
"Hyper" is an informal term meaning overly excited, energetic, or wound up, implying a level of intensity beyond normal excitement. "Excited" is more neutral and doesn't carry the same connotation of being overstimulated or hard to calm down.
Is "hyper" appropriate in formal writing?
No, "hyper" is labeled as informal, so it's best suited to casual conversation rather than formal or professional writing. In formal contexts, alternatives like "overexcited" or "energetic" would be more appropriate.
Is "hyper" used to describe children specifically?
While "hyper" is commonly used informally to describe children who are overly excited or energetic, the definition itself isn't limited to children and can describe anyone in an overly wound-up state. It's simply a very frequent informal descriptor for excitable kids.
