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

Want to know the home decor items where the splurge is almost always worth it? —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2025

Among other partisan splurges, reconciliation eased the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. —Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 16 Jan. 2025

Verb

Look for an easy upgrade that pleases you, splurge on something beautiful, or make a statement with a one-of-a-kind object. —Tim McKeough, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025

Despite strong spending trends, inflation could play a role in whether consumers choose to splurge or scale back, experts say. —Ana Teresa Solá, CNBC, 14 Feb. 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

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