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

imprison, imprisonment, improbability, improbable, improbity, impromptu, improper, improper fraction, improper integral, improperia, impropriate

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