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

As Kate Middleton and Prince William head up royal fashion’s new guard, the pair have introduced an era of high-low dressing, mixing affordable picks with designer splurges to create relatably regal looks. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 10 Apr. 2026

But this explanation doesn’t account for another shift – why affluent consumers are foregoing splurges on items like designer handbags in favor of premium groceries. —Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026

Verb

The Sun is run by solid basketball people, and Tribe can afford to splurge on players. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026

No one wants to splurge on a Turkish cotton towel that will end up smelling like a locker room. —Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 Apr. 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