splurge

1 of 2

noun

ˈsplərj 

: an ostentatious effort, display, or expenditure

splurge

2 of 2

verb

splurged; splurging

intransitive verb

1

: to make a splurge

2

: to indulge oneself extravagantly

—often used with on

splurge on a new dress

transitive verb

: to spend extravagantly or ostentatiously

Examples of splurge in a Sentence

Verb

You should let yourself splurge once in a while.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But since the Chicago metropolitan area has a gross domestic product around $900 billion, estimated by World Business Chicago, even a $2 billion splurge amounts to far less than 1% — making a small dent in the region’s economy, Coates said. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026

Dana Arbib ‘Fusto’ sconces from Tiwa Gallery were a splurge and are luckily out of reach of any kid’s grasp, Witherbee says. —Katherine Burns Olson, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026

Verb

Snap your shot from Dufferin Terrace below — or splurge and book a room. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026

To appreciate the majesty of the Atlantic from your balcony, splurge on one of the upper-floor ocean-view options. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

perhaps blend of splash and surge

First Known Use

Noun

1828, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1844, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Rhymes for splurge

• dirge
• merge
• purge
• scourge
• serge
• spurge
• sturge
• surge
• urge
• verge
• converge
• diverge

Kids Definition

splurge

1 of 2 noun

ˈsplərj 

: an instance of spending more than usual

splurge

2 of 2 verb

splurged; splurging

: indulge oneself or spend lavishly