What does splurge mean?
Splurge means to spend money in a particularly extravagant, excessive, or impulsive way. It often describes a temporary departure from ordinary thrift, such as buying an expensive meal, treating oneself to a luxury, or making an unusually large purchase. The noun refers to the spending event itself: a shopping splurge or an expensive holiday can be described as a splurge. In everyday English, the word is informal and generally carries a mildly cautionary or humorous tone, implying that the spending may be difficult to justify even if it is pleasurable. It is often used with “on,” as in “she splurged on shoes,” which makes the object of the spending explicit. Although splurge can imply wastefulness, it does not necessarily mean that the money was spent carelessly; the emphasis is usually on extravagance and excess rather than on incompetence with money.
To spend money extravagantly or in an excessive, often impulsive way.
"We splurged on a hotel room with a balcony."
Commonly used with “on”; informal and often implies spending beyond a usual budget.
An occasion or act of extravagant spending.
"The trip was a welcome splurge after a long year of saving."
Informal; often used in phrases such as “shopping splurge” and “make a splurge.”
The usual plural form for an act or occasion of extravagant spending.
"The store's seasonal sale tempted many customers into splurges."
A splurge is what a budget calls a splurge and your bank account calls a consequence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does splurge come from?
The word splurge dates from the 19th century, but its precise origin is uncertain. It may be a blend of spend and surge, though that explanation cannot be established with certainty. Its modern sense developed from the idea of making an extravagant or excessive burst of spending.
Related word forms
How splurge is actually used
Informal. The word commonly suggests spending more than is practical or planned, often as a temporary indulgence. It is especially natural with “on” and in expressions such as “a shopping splurge.”
Easily confused with splurge
Squander usually emphasizes wasting valuable resources, especially money or time, whereas splurge emphasizes excessive or impulsive spending.
Lavish can describe generous or abundant spending, while splurge more specifically suggests an excessive spending spree.