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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.”
Examples of impromptu in a Sentence
William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Whether your plans for the season involve lounging poolside or simply spending more time socializing on your newly furnished patio, outdoor bar carts are ready to roll for an at-home happy hour at impromptu times.
—Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 1 Aug. 2025
When rain comes or your dog goes for an impromptu swim, a towel is a necessity.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Shifting commute routes, adjusting public appearance schedules or even introducing impromptu stops during travel can dramatically reduce predictability—and, in turn, risk.
—Michael Evanoff, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for impromptu
Cite this Entry
“Impromptu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impromptu. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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