splurge

1 of 2

noun

ˈsplərj 

: an ostentatious effort, display, or expenditure

splurge

2 of 2

verb

splurged; splurging

intransitive verb

1

: to make a splurge

2

: to indulge oneself extravagantly

—often used with on

splurge on a new dress

transitive verb

: to spend extravagantly or ostentatiously

Examples of splurge in a Sentence

Verb

You should let yourself splurge once in a while.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The raw material is rare and its extraction method complex, which is why oud fragrances tend to fall into the splurge category. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 2 Mar. 2025

Was this a splurge, yes, as the bill nearly equaled that of the tuxedo itself, but the ability to say that the only outstanding pieces were the shoes and the tuxedo was worth the premium. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2025

Verb

Or splurge on a cleaning service that can get that glass squeaky clean (no judgment here). —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025

On a cruise to Alaska, my husband, my 24-year-old daughter and I decided to splurge for a helicopter ride to see a glacier. —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps blend of splash and surge

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1843, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for splurge

• dirge
• merge
• purge
• scourge
• serge
• spurge
• sturge
• surge
• urge
• verge
• converge
• diverge

Kids Definition

splurge

1 of 2 noun

ˈsplərj 

: an instance of spending more than usual

splurge

2 of 2 verb

splurged; splurging

: indulge oneself or spend lavishly