extempore

adverb or adjective

ex·​tem·​po·​re ik-ˈstem-pə-(ˌ)rē How to pronounce extempore (audio)
: in an extemporaneous manner
speaking extempore

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin ex tempore "on the spur of the moment, on impulse," from ex "out of, from" + tempore, ablative of tempus "time, the circumstances existing at a particular time, occasion, moment" — more at ex- entry 1, tempo

First Known Use

circa 1553, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extempore was circa 1553

Dictionary Entries Near extempore

Cite this Entry

“Extempore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extempore. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

extempore

adverb or adjective
ex·​tem·​po·​re ik-ˈstem-pə-(ˌ)rē How to pronounce extempore (audio)
: in an extemporaneous manner
speaking extempore
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