spree

The word “spree” means a short burst of unrestrained activity, especially spending or indulgence. In plain terms, a short stretch of doing something enthusiastically and without holding back, usually spending, eating, or similar activity.

“Spree” is pronounced spree (/spɹiː/ in IPA).

Here is “spree” used in a sentence: “She went on a shopping spree after getting her bonus.”

“Spree” is a noun.

The word “spree” comes from French. Origin uncertain; possibly linked to the French word "esprit" (lively wit) or to older words meaning cattle raid or plunder.

“Spree” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Spree on its own refers generally to any short burst of unrestrained activity or indulgence, while spending spree specifically narrows that meaning to a period of buying things impulsively or excessively. Other combinations, such as killing spree or crime spree, apply the same underlying sense to different negative activities.

Spree can be used both ways: a shopping or eating spree often implies harmless indulgence, while terms like crime spree or killing spree describe a burst of dangerous or violent behavior. The word itself is neutral, and its tone depends on the activity it modifies.

Spree most often combines with words like shopping, spending, eating, drinking, and crime, all describing a short, intense, and typically unrestrained period of that activity. This pattern highlights the word's core sense of a brief burst of indulgence or action.