impromptu

1 of 2

adjective

im·​promp·​tu im-ˈpräm(p)-(ˌ)tü 

-(ˌ)tyü

1

: made, done, or formed on or as if on the spur of the moment : improvised

2

: composed or uttered without previous preparation : extemporaneous

impromptu adverb

impromptu

2 of 2

noun

1

: something that is impromptu

2

: a musical composition suggesting improvisation

Did you know?

Impromptu most often describes things, such as speeches or gatherings, that are not prepared ahead of time but that instead happen spontaneously. An impromptu concert or photoshoot, for example, is conceived and executed in the moment. Impromptu was borrowed—spelling, meaning, and all—from French in the mid-18th century. The French had gotten the word from Latin, from the phrase in promptu, meaning “in readiness.” But the presence of prompt in there is no coincidence: both impromptu and prompt are ultimately derived from the Latin promere, meaning “to bring forth, take out.”

Synonyms

Adjective

• ad hoc
• ad-lib
• down and dirty
• extemporaneous
• extemporary
• extempore
• improvisational
• improvised
• off-the-cuff
• offhand
• offhanded
• snap
• spur-of-the-moment
• unconsidered
• unplanned
• unpremeditated
• unprepared
• unrehearsed
• unstudied

Noun

• ad-lib
• extemporization
• improv
• improvisation

Examples of impromptu in a Sentence

Adjective

Two of my friends came by unexpectedly, and we had an impromptu little party in my kitchen.

He made an impromptu speech about honor and responsibility.

Noun

although five different lines had been written, the best choice turned out to be an impromptu from the tired actor himself

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

So The White House doors have been thrown open to some 200 guests, with pop star Kylie Minogue doing an impromptu live set. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025

There might even be an impromptu talent show, with the Uncles and the youngest family members showing off their best dance moves. —Ronny Maye, Essence, 19 Mar. 2025

Ahead of Thursday's episode (9 p.m. ET), Bassett and Jackson preview what's to come of Athena's impromptu cruise. —Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025

The video of the impromptu haircut quickly went viral, garnering over 725,000 likes and more than 7.9 million views on TikTok. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from impromptu extemporaneously, from Latin in promptu in readiness

First Known Use

Adjective

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

impromptu

adjective

im·​promp·​tu

im-ˈpräm(p)-t(y)ü

: not prepared ahead of time : extemporaneous

an impromptu speech

impromptu adverb or noun