impromptu

[im-promp-too, -tyoo]

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.

Origin of impromptu

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

Synonyms for impromptu

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR impromptu ON THESAURUS.COM

1. See extemporaneous.

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

Related Words for impromptu

spontaneous, offhand, unscripted, ad-lib, fake, extemporaneous, extempore, unpremeditated, unprepared, unstudied, spur-of-the-moment, winged, faked, improv

Examples from the Web for impromptu

Contemporary Examples of 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
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
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
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
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

Historical Examples of impromptu

Practice has made them quite perfect in this impromptu modeling.
Aztec Land
Maturin M. Ballou
I have arranged an impromptu masquerade by moonlight on the terrace (period).
Nobody
Louis Joseph Vance
Certainly it was a fine and dramatic bit of impromptu pleading.
Mark Twain, A Biography, 1835-1910, Complete
Albert Bigelow Paine
It was an impromptu effort to avoid telling me who they are, but they are known.
The Memoires of Casanova, Complete
Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
Her dark eyes were hidden in the shadows of her impromptu hood.
The Best Short Stories of 1917
Various

British Dictionary definitions for impromptu

impromptu

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

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).