impromptu
Americanadjective
-
made or done without previous preparation.
an impromptu address to the unexpected crowds.
-
suddenly or hastily prepared, made, etc..
an impromptu dinner.
-
improvised; having the character of an improvisation.
adverb
noun
-
something impromptu; an impromptu speech, musical composition, performance, etc.
-
a character piece for piano common in the 19th century and having, despite its title, a clear-cut form.
adjective
-
unrehearsed; spontaneous; extempore
-
produced or done without care or planning; improvised
adverb
noun
-
something that is impromptu
-
a short piece of instrumental music, sometimes improvisatory in character
Synonym Usage
See extemporaneous.
Etymology
Origin of impromptu
First recorded in 1660–70; from French, from Latin in promptū “in readiness”; see in, prompt
Explanation
Some of the best kinds of parties are impromptu ones, when you decide at the last minute to get together. The adjective impromptu describes things done or said without previous thought or preparation. Impromptu is also used as an adverb: Most people are not able to speak impromptu in front of an audience. This word was borrowed from French and ultimately derives from the Latin in prōmptū ("at hand, in readiness") from in ("in") plus a form of prōmptus ("readiness"). As you can guess from the spelling, the adjective and verb prompt are related to impromptu; they are from the same Latin verb, prōmere, "to bring forth."
Vocabulary lists containing impromptu
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Dear Martin
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sit at a table with a bunch of actors and it inevitably becomes an impromptu acting class, one in which even the Michelle Pfeiffer is leaning over to observe.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
Lincoln never delivered a formal Fourth of July oration, yet his impromptu remarks on July 7, 1863—offered to serenaders on the White House lawn—invoked the principle of human equality announced “eighty odd years” ago.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
While an impromptu trip to New York seems unlikely, Pope Leo XIV's public schedule is clear on May 21.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
It was in this environment that they first crossed paths with Ed Sheeran, who joined them for an impromptu session in a County Wexford pub during last year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
From BBC • May 16, 2026
Edwards’s reversal set off great celebrations of joy as black students from Carter held hands and danced at an impromptu pep rally.
From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
