impromptu

American  

[im-promp-too, -tyoo] / ɪmˈprɒmp tu, -tyu /

adjective

1. made or done without previous preparation.

   an impromptu address to the unexpected crowds.

2. suddenly or hastily prepared, made, etc..

   an impromptu dinner.

3. improvised; having the character of an improvisation.

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adverb

1. without preparation.

   verses written impromptu.

noun

1. something impromptu; an impromptu speech, musical composition, performance, etc.

2. a character piece for piano common in the 19th century and having, despite its title, a clear-cut form.

impromptu British  

/ ɪmˈprɒmptjuː /

adjective

1. unrehearsed; spontaneous; extempore

2. produced or done without care or planning; improvised

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adverb

1. in a spontaneous or improvised way

   he spoke impromptu

noun

1. something that is impromptu

2. a short piece of instrumental music, sometimes improvisatory in character

Related Words

See extemporaneous.

Etymology

Origin of impromptu

First recorded in 1660–70; from French, from Latin in promptū “in readiness”; in, prompt

Example Sentences

A small batch can find its way into grain bowls, sandwiches, or just a bowl on the counter for impromptu snacking.

From Salon

I like “organ recitals”—impromptu get-togethers where old people rehash their illnesses.

From The Wall Street Journal

The King surprised some shoppers outside the event, wishing them a "Merry Christmas" and shaking hands in an impromptu walkabout in the rain.

From BBC

Across the street, some people began laying out bouquets of flowers, balloons and an Australian flag at the corner of a primary school, in an impromptu memorial for the dead.

From BBC

Elsewhere, middle-class men, many of whom had rarely set foot inside a kitchen, hold impromptu classes where they instruct volunteers on boiling and cooking salt.

From BBC

Related Words

• offhand
• spontaneous
• unscripted