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

Despite the hefty price tag, Travel + Leisure writers will tell you that the Patagonia Black Hole 40L Duffel is worth the one-time splurge to avoid multiple baggage fees in the future. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026

Shifting mentality Rina Patel used to save up all her miles from work trips only for international vacation splurges. — Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

Verb

The 14-story neo-Gothic structure (nicknamed the Jewelers Building) once housed five floors alone of diamond cutters, goldsmiths, and other jewelers, with the rest of the building dedicated to other places for wealthy Detroiters to splurge. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026

One who aspires to own their first designer piece, using their wedding as the opportunity to finally splurge. — CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps blend of splash and surge

First Known Use

Noun

1828, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1844, 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