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 Avocado Organic Waterproof Pillow Protector is worth the splurge. —Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2024

High-end condos and rentals now offer medically dubious therapies like at-home IV drips as a regular wellness practice, not just a vacation splurge. —Anna Kodé, New York Times, 31 May 2024

Verb

Some firms splurged on buying up stakes in European clubs in order to raise the standards of Chinese soccer. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 27 May 2024

While public schools sometimes splurge on prom venues too — in addition to hotel ballrooms and sprucing up their gymnasiums — some of the city’s most elite schools regularly opt for world-class museums, studio lots and nightclubs, giving teenagers only-in-L.A. prom experiences. —Andrew Zucker, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2024

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