impromptu

1 of 2

adjective

im·​promp·​tu im-ˈpräm(p)-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce impromptu (audio)
-(ˌ)tyü
1
: made, done, or formed on or as if on the spur of the moment : improvised
2
: composed or uttered without previous preparation : extemporaneous
impromptu adverb

impromptu

2 of 2

noun

1
: something that is impromptu
2
: a musical composition suggesting improvisation

Did you know?

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

Adjective Two of my friends came by unexpectedly, and we had an impromptu little party in my kitchen. He made an impromptu speech about honor and responsibility. Noun although five different lines had been written, the best choice turned out to be an impromptu from the tired actor himself
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.
Adjective
This perfect white summer sneaker is made with water-resistant faux leather, so those impromptu sunshowers won’t send you running for shelter. Shalwah Evans, People.com, 6 July 2025 Though the picture seemingly showcases an impromptu moment, Shelton actually spent months preparing for the breathtaking proposal. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 3 July 2025 During a June 21 incident, LMPD spokesperson Matt Sanders said officers helped disperse a crowd of about 250 people in what could have been an impromptu street takeover. Amanda Hancock, The Courier-Journal, 3 July 2025 Upon the June 13 news of the Manchester, Tennessee music festival's cancellation due to severe weather and flooding, some artists on the lineup announced impromptu make-up shows in Music City to perform their Bonnaroo sets. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for impromptu

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from impromptu extemporaneously, from Latin in promptu in readiness

First Known Use

Adjective

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impromptu was in 1683

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Cite this Entry

“Impromptu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impromptu. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

impromptu

adjective
im·​promp·​tu
im-ˈpräm(p)-t(y)ü
: not prepared ahead of time : extemporaneous
an impromptu speech
impromptu adverb or noun

More from Merriam-Webster on impromptu

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