English Reference
Noun

splurge

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈspɫɝdʒ/ UK /splˈɜːdʒ/ splurge UK spelling splurged, splurges, splurging

n.a period of time when you spend a lot of money on things you do not really need. It is often a way to treat yourself after a long time of saving.

n.a period of excessive spending on non-essential items.


SIMPLE

I am going on a shopping splurge this weekend.

CONTEXTUAL

After months of strict budgeting, she decided to have a small splurge on a new piece of furniture.

COMPLEX

The company's annual splurge on office amenities, such as gourmet coffee and ergonomic chairs, is seen by some as a necessary investment in employee morale.


Possibly from a blend of splash + surge, originally US. According to the OED, onomatopoeic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated