Definition of IMPROMPTU (original) (raw)
1
: made, done, or formed on or as if on the spur of the moment : improvised
1
: something that is impromptu
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.”
Synonyms
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
Unlike yard sprays, which will need to be applied in advance and maintained, these candles provide an impromptu method of reducing mosquitoes in a small area. —
Megan Newton, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2024 During the city’s popular Jazz Fest, Billy Joel sat down at the piano and gave an impromptu performance. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 On Sunday, after being forced out of the Loop, about 200 cars took over the Stevenson Expressway, setting up an impromptu party that stalled all traffic. —Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 16 Sep. 2024 What followed was an impromptu roll call from around the country and some international locations as USC fans vowed to chug extra coffee to witness the home opener. —Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for impromptu 
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
Dictionary Entries Near impromptu
Cite this Entry
“Impromptu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impromptu. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 30 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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