impromptu

noun im·promp·tu \ im-ˈpräm(p)-(ˌ)tü , -(ˌ)tyü \

Updated on: 1 Dec 2017

Definition of impromptu

1 : something that is impromptu

2 : a musical composition suggesting improvisation

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Examples of impromptu in a Sentence

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

Origin and Etymology of impromptu

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

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First Known Use: 1683

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impromptu Synonyms

Synonyms

ad-lib, extemporization, improvisation, improv

Related Words

concoction, contrivance, creation, innovation, invention, wrinkle

Near Antonyms

bit, drill, routine

impromptu

adjective

Definition of impromptu

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

2 : composed or uttered without previous preparation : extemporaneous

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impromptu

adverb

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Examples of impromptu in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples of impromptu from the Web

Members of the class offered impromptu rants about the evils of ice cream, easy-listening music and lingerie.

— nara schoenberg, chicagotribune.com, "Over age 34 and still funny? Second City has a class for that.," 20 Oct. 2017
The controversy got so out of hand that Stephen Ross called an impromptu news conference in the press conference before the game to address it.

— adam h. beasley, miamiherald, "Will Foerster saga be a bump in the road or Dolphins’ undoing? Sunday will be revealing," 14 Oct. 2017
As cakes were served and an impromptu dance party was getting underway, a beaming Ms. Perello called her chefs into the room to thank them with a standing ovation.

— lauren sloss, New York Times, "They Have No Reservations (About Each Other)," 29 Sep. 2017
If your unit’s goals are being met, there’s no reason not to take an impromptu fun break.

— The Seattle Times, "5 things bosses can do to make work less awful," 15 Sep. 2017
When asked of her favorite photos by her father, Mary Aarons points to a Louis Armstrong that hangs in her sitting room, and taken during an impromptu concert in Rome.

— erin lentz, Town & Country, "How to Shoot a Selfie Like Slim Aarons," 13 Aug. 2015
At the end, the bottleneck opened onto Prospect Avenue, where impromptu protests were held in the shadow of the Quicken Loans Center.

— Longreads, "The RNC, Revisited," 31 Oct. 2017
The Ancient Romans enjoyed many flavors of theatrical performance, from classic theatrical comedies to the more impromptu performances of actors who did short sketches and used physical humor.

— lorraine boissoneault, Smithsonian, "When Actors Mixed Politics and Comedy in Ancient Rome," 24 Apr. 2017
Last night into early this morning Justin Bieber gave an impromptu performance at Up and Down nightclub (where one of the many Met Gala after-parties were held just earlier this week).

— danielle odiamar, Harper's BAZAAR, "Justin Bieber Gave a Surprise Performance at a New York City Nightclub," 7 May 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impromptu.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

If you think that "impromptu" looks like a relative of "prompt," you're right; both are ultimately derived from the Latin promere, meaning "to bring forth, take out." "Impromptu" was borrowed from French, where it meant "extemporaneously," but French speakers picked it up from the Latin phrase in promptu, a "promere" descendant meaning "in readiness" or "at hand." There is also another, much rarer descendant of "promere" in English - the noun promptuary, meaning "a book of ready reference."