impromptu

[ im-promp-too, -tyoo ]

/ ɪmˈprɒmp tu, -tyu /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR impromptu ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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

without preparation: verses written impromptu.

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.

Nearby words

Origin of impromptu

1660–70; < French < Latin in promptū in readiness; see in, prompt

SYNONYMS FOR impromptu

1. See extemporaneous.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR impromptu ON THESAURUS.COM

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for impromptu

One guy hams it up as Juliet, blonde wig and all, as a crowd gathers, delighted by the impromptu performance.
Biking With the Bard|Kara Cutruzzula|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The funk legend treats unsuspecting concertgoers to an impromptu show.
Prince Crashes Jazz Show, Produces Greatness|Jack Holmes, The Daily Beast Video|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On Tuesday, Logan pointed to a stained spot of concrete near two dumpsters where he gave Poindexter impromptu last rites.
Ferguson’s Only Unsolved Murder|Justin Glawe|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Johnson gave an impromptu press conference during Hamer's speech, interrupting her televised testimony.
Remembering Civil Rights Heroine Fannie Lou Hamer: 'I'm Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired'|Lottie L. Joiner|September 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST

It certainly smelled like something other than natural good vibes was fueling the impromptu dancing in the aisles.
Bob Weir on Drugged-Out Deadheads and Living in Jerry Garcia’s Shadow|Emily Shire|April 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He made his way slowly to the impromptu shed which served for a garage.
The Kingdom of the Blind|E. Phillips Oppenheim
Mrs Cameron hurriedly lifted the loquacious imp from its impromptu perch.
Love's Usuries|Louis Creswicke
Without such assistance the D major section of the impromptu is insignificant.
Frederick Chopin as a Man and Musician|Frederick Niecks
Others sometimes came to dinner with their parents, and an impromptu dance was often got up.
Bluebell|Mrs. George Croft Huddleston
Jerrys imitation of a phonograph rendering a popular song of her own impromptu composition ended suddenly.
Marjorie Dean College Freshman|Pauline Lester

British Dictionary definitions for impromptu

impromptu

/ (ɪmˈprɒmptjuː) /

adjective

unrehearsed; spontaneous; extempore

produced or done without care or planning; improvised

adverb

in a spontaneous or improvised wayhe spoke impromptu

noun

something that is impromptu

a short piece of instrumental music, sometimes improvisatory in character

Word Origin for impromptu

C17: from French, from Latin in promptū in readiness, from promptus (adj) ready, prompt

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for impromptu

impromptu

1660s (adv.), 1764 (adj.), from French impromptu (1650s), from Latin in promptu "in readiness," from assimilated form of in- "into, in, on, upon" (see in- (2)) + promptu, ablative of promptus "readiness," from past participle of promere "to bring out," from pro- "before, forward, for" + emere "to obtain" (see exempt).