impromptu

1 of 2

adjective

im·​promp·​tu im-ˈpräm(p)-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce impromptu (audio)
-(ˌ)tyü
1
: made, done, or formed on or as if on the spur of the moment : improvised
2
: composed or uttered without previous preparation : extemporaneous
impromptu adverb

impromptu

2 of 2

noun

1
: something that is impromptu
2
: a musical composition suggesting improvisation

Did you know?

Impromptu most often describes things, such as speeches or gatherings, that are not prepared ahead of time but that instead happen spontaneously. An impromptu concert or photoshoot, for example, is conceived and executed in the moment. Impromptu was borrowed—spelling, meaning, and all—from French in the mid-18th century. The French had gotten the word from Latin, from the phrase in promptu, meaning “in readiness.” But the presence of prompt in there is no coincidence: both impromptu and prompt are ultimately derived from the Latin promere, meaning “to bring forth, take out.”

Examples of impromptu in a Sentence

Adjective Two of my friends came by unexpectedly, and we had an impromptu little party in my kitchen. He made an impromptu speech about honor and responsibility. Noun although five different lines had been written, the best choice turned out to be an impromptu from the tired actor himself
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Quality time is your favorite bonding experience—so try surprising your pals with an impromptu get-together. Essence, 4 Mar. 2024 Quite the showman, the actor decided to stun a festival crowd with an impromptu performance Saturday. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 For most, a long-shank Aberdeen-style panfish hook with a depth-appropriate split shot weight, and an adjustable bobber does the job. Manmade Bait For impromptu bluegill missions, bread balls made from any soft, moldable baked item are an easy sell. David A. Brown, Field & Stream, 28 Feb. 2024 The shoutout prompted Legend to join the 26-year-old vocalist for an impromptu performance of the song, a tactic the coach has previously used on the show. USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 Their impromptu reactions — yawning, stretching, making faces — nudge scenes toward greater realism. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2024 In a restaurant, Bella is instinctively drawn to the music and does an impromptu dance of her own making with Duncan (Mark Ruffalo). Craigh Barboza, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 The occasion soon morphed into an impromptu double date after Berry and her long-term boyfriend, Van Hunt, joined the young couple — and new parents! Kyle Denis, Billboard, 26 Feb. 2024 The new movie follows the story of two women who run into criminals while on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, Florida. Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impromptu.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from impromptu extemporaneously, from Latin in promptu in readiness

First Known Use

Adjective

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impromptu was in 1683

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Dictionary Entries Near impromptu

Cite this Entry

“Impromptu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impromptu. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impromptu

adjective
im·​promp·​tu
im-ˈpräm(p)-t(y)ü
: not prepared ahead of time : extemporaneous
an impromptu speech
impromptu adverb or noun

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