impromptu

[ im-promp-too, -tyoo ]
See synonyms for: impromptuimpromptus on Thesaurus.com

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.

  1. 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.

Origin of impromptu

1
First recorded in 1660–70; from French, from Latin in promptū “in readiness”; see in, prompt

synonym study For impromptu

Words Nearby impromptu

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use impromptu in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for impromptu

impromptu

/ (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

Origin of impromptu

1
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