impromptu

1 of 2

adjective

im·​promp·​tu im-ˈpräm(p)-(ˌ)tü 

-(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.”

Synonyms

Adjective

• ad hoc
• ad-lib
• down and dirty
• extemporaneous
• extemporary
• extempore
• improvisational
• improvised
• off-the-cuff
• offhand
• offhanded
• snap
• spur-of-the-moment
• unconsidered
• unplanned
• unpremeditated
• unprepared
• unrehearsed
• unstudied

Noun

• ad-lib
• extemporization
• improv
• improvisation

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

The highlight of the evening was the impromptu reunion of all five Spice Girls — Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Melanie Brown (Scary Spice), Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice), Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice) and Beckham (Posh Spice). —Lori A Bashian Fox News, Fox News, 18 Dec. 2024

From an anti-capitalist kicker that’s still pretty funny to the priceless promise of Gir in an elf suit, this impromptu finale doubles as an oddly perfect swan song. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Dec. 2024

Over the summer, Watts shared a fun video on her Instagram Stories of her daughter Kai performing an impromptu dance with a friend to some beautiful live music in Paris. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024

At the end, Cadets in the stands swarmed the field, hurled their caps over the bar of the goalposts and broke into an impromptu snake dance, as one, while their band played. —Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 13 Dec. 2024

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

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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