spur-of-the-moment

adjective

spur-of-the-mo·​ment ˈspər-ə(v)-ṯẖə-ˈmō-mənt How to pronounce spur-of-the-moment (audio)
: occurring or developing without premeditation : hastily extemporized
a spur-of-the-moment decision

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Chou is fond of indulging Freddie’s spur-of-the-moment impulses with lavish takes, establishing firmly in the present Freddie’s process of becoming rather than orienting it toward some predestined conclusion. Jasmine Liu, The New Republic, 21 Mar. 2023 The star's spur-of-the-moment wedding to her chef beau may have been surprising, but her classic solitaire diamond on pavé band and simple wedding ring are super-traditional. Alex Apatoff, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2023 What was even more jaw-dropping was her blunt bob, which Abergel revealed was created during a spur-of-the-moment haircutting session. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2023 Her spur-of-the-moment decision to be radically honest with her new coworkers marked the beginning of her new, more open approach at work. Bykinsey Crowley, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2023 While spur-of-the-moment hangs are off the table, your only form of face time doesn’t have to be FaceTime. Lindsay Geller, Women's Health, 28 Feb. 2023 Bookings open a month out to the day; my travels to Palm Springs from Los Angeles, usually to see friends who are visiting or residents, are more spur-of-the-moment. Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spur-of-the-moment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spur-of-the-moment was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near spur-of-the-moment

Cite this Entry

“Spur-of-the-moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spur-of-the-moment. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

Kids Definition

spur-of-the-moment

adjective
: made or done by the sudden making up of one's mind
a spur-of-the moment decision
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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