splurge

1 of 2

noun

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
However, according to the BBC, the $280 million splurge is part of a strategy to profit from the transfer market. Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 At around $13 per serving, Green Chef is definitely a splurge over grocery shopping. Neha Tandon, Glamour, 27 June 2025
Verb
Gazing out from the iconic arched windows overlooking Central Park is a quintessential Manhattan experience for the well-heeled perfect — the perfect escape from paparazzi for some, the Independence Day splurge for others. Paula Conway, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Doing some research ahead of time can help avoid going hungry or having to splurge at the airport. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for splurge

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of splurge was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splurge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splurge. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

splurge

1 of 2 noun
: an instance of spending more than usual

splurge

2 of 2 verb
splurged; splurging
: indulge oneself or spend lavishly

More from Merriam-Webster on splurge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!