The term eclectic is important to describing postmodernism because it refers to a style or approach that borrows elements from various sources, which is a defining feature of postmodernism where there is a mixing of different styles, themes, and ideas. In postmodernism, eclecticism allows for the blending of traditional and contemporary elements, challenging traditional boundaries and creating new forms of expression. This approach reflects the fragmented and diverse nature of postmodernism as a cultural movement.