What does spree mean?
A spree is a period of behavior marked by a lack of restraint, most often involving spending, drinking, eating, or another pleasurable activity. People might go on a shopping spree, a drinking spree, or a spending spree, and the word often conveys extravagance or a temporary loss of self-control. In a broader sense, a spree can be a sudden burst of energetic or reckless activity, as in a crime spree or a killing spree. The expression is common in journalism and everyday speech and can range from describing harmless indulgence to criticizing excessive consumption. It is a useful word when the emphasis is not on one individual act but on a conspicuous period of repeated or uncontrolled behavior.
nounA period of unrestrained or excessive activity, especially buying, drinking, eating, or indulgence of another kind. It can also refer to a sudden burst of activity undertaken with little regard for restraint.
- An episode of excessive buying, drinking, eating, or similar indulgence.
- A sudden burst of activity or a period of frenzied action.
"After winning the prize, she went on a shopping spree and bought several new outfits."
"The company went on a buying spree, acquiring several smaller firms in quick succession."
"The movie was a killing spree, with one twist following another throughout the final act."
The usual plural form is “sprees,” as in “a series of shopping sprees.”
"The company announced a series of acquisition sprees across the region."
A spree turns a single indulgence into a story worth telling—usually with the receipt, consequences, or body count.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spree come from?
The English word is attested by the late 19th century. Its precise origin is uncertain, and unlike many familiar nouns, it does not have a clearly established etymology from an older language. It became established in expressions describing bouts of conspicuous consumption and other forms of unrestrained activity.
How spree is actually used
Standard, widely used English. It is especially common in fixed phrases such as “shopping spree” and “spending spree,” and can suggest extravagance, loss of control, or conspicuously vigorous activity.
Easily confused with spree
A spree is an episode of unrestrained activity, whereas a spray is a fine mist or a jet of liquid.