spur-of-the-moment

adjective

spur-of-the-mo·​ment ˈspər-ə(v)-ṯẖə-ˈmō-mənt How to pronounce spur-of-the-moment (audio)
: occurring or developing without premeditation : hastily extemporized
a spur-of-the-moment decision

Examples of spur-of-the-moment in a Sentence

a spur-of-the-moment trip to the zoo
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wayne says the picture was taken spur-of-the-moment during a meeting purportedly about criminal-justice reform and other initiatives for the Black community. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 The two then got married at the Rockaway Hotel in New York City’s Queens during a spur-of-the-moment ceremony in May 2023. Tommy McArdle, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025 Reis da Silva describes the Instagram post in December as a spur-of-the-moment decision, a simple way of showing his love for his boyfriend. George Ramsay, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025 Getting down on one knee isn't usually a spur-of-the-moment decision. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spur-of-the-moment

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spur-of-the-moment was in 1948

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spur-of-the-moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spur-of-the-moment. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

spur-of-the-moment

adjective
: made or done by the sudden making up of one's mind
a spur-of-the moment decision
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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