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impromptu

[ im-promp-too, -tyoo ]
/ ɪmˈprɒmp tu, -tyu /
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See synonyms for: impromptu / impromptus 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.
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Origin of impromptu

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

synonym study for impromptu

1. See extemporaneous.

Words nearby impromptu

imprison, imprisonment, improbability, improbable, improbity, impromptu, improper, improper fraction, Improperia, improper integral, impropriate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to impromptu

offhand, spontaneous, unscripted, ad-lib, fake, dashed off, extemporaneous, extempore, extemporized, improv, off the cuff, spur-of-the-moment, tossed off, unpremeditated, unprepared, unstudied, vamped, whipped up, winged

How to use impromptu in a sentence

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
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