Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

impromptu

Syllabification: (im·promp·tu)
Pronunciation: /imˈpräm(p)ˌt(y)o͞o/
Translate impromptu | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of impromptu

adjective & adverb

  • done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed: [as adjective]:an impromptu press conference [as adverb]:he spoke impromptu

noun (plural impromptus)

  • a short piece of instrumental music, especially a solo, that is reminiscent of an improvisation.

Origin:

mid 17th century (as an adverb): from French, from Latin in promptu 'in readiness', from promptus (see prompt)

impromptu in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of impromptu in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

GET PRO ►

Shop for an Oxford dictionary
Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kər /
noun
an aggressive dog or one that is in poor condition …