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

In fact, Jones even used his own birthday party to arrange an impromptu audition for Smith in front of then-NBC-head Brandon Tartikoff. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 4 Nov. 2024

Quincy Jones was asking me to do an impromptu audition in front of some of the biggest icons, present and past, in all of entertainment, not to mention the top brass at the National Broadcasting Company, home to The Cosby Show, Cheers, The Golden Girls, L.A. Law, and Seinfeld. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Nov. 2024

Called from his desk to a plush dining room where friends and family of his boss have gathered, An is asked to entertain everyone with an impromptu fighting exhibition against opponents including the Banker’s hulking son, Kevin (Kevin Lee). —Richard Kuipers, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

Bhatt’s essentials consist of his father’s impromptu sculptural arrangements, fresh linens, and floral displays. —Prinita Thevarajah, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 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