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.

---

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

---

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

Explanation

Some of the best kinds of parties are impromptu ones, when you decide at the last minute to get together. The adjective impromptu describes things done or said without previous thought or preparation. Impromptu is also used as an adverb: Most people are not able to speak impromptu in front of an audience. This word was borrowed from French and ultimately derives from the Latin in prōmptū ("at hand, in readiness") from in ("in") plus a form of prōmptus ("readiness"). As you can guess from the spelling, the adjective and verb prompt are related to impromptu; they are from the same Latin verb, prōmere, "to bring forth."

Example Sentences

Efforts to wring laughs out of a genuinely awful situation yield only a few uncomfortable chuckles, such as when Charlie and Emma strike some warmup poses for a wedding photographer during an impromptu session.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Mero set out to create an impromptu performance space for artists who no longer have an outlet in downtown L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

Little stone circles had been laid as impromptu memorials to the men at the site where they died, a little Palestinian flag flapping above one.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

In September 2022, William made an impromptu call to Harry to suggest they walk out of Windsor Castle together to greet crowds who had gathered to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

By the time they were finished with their impromptu photo shoot, Bits and Rawiya had found them.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Related Words

• offhand
• spontaneous
• unscripted