improv

adjective

im·​prov ˈim-ˌpräv How to pronounce improv (audio)
: of, relating to, or being improvisation and especially an improvised comedy routine
improv noun

Examples of improv in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The improv challenge show sees guest contestants competing in a series of improv challenges to win the Golden Ear Trophy. Jack Dunn, Variety, 21 May 2024 One of the night’s honorees was improv hip-hop group Freestyle Love Supreme, founded by Anthony Veneziale and Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2004. Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 10 May 2024 Above all, Li believes that selflessness is at the core of a strong improv performance. Kayleigh Ruller, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2024 The improv bust opened up opportunities not just for artists and theaters, but also for audiences. Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2024 The next guest was Bruce Buckles, whom Robinson introduced as a random improv student in New York trying to break into the business. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024 Gaffigan decided to take an improv class to work on that last one. Olivia McCormack, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024 Founded by Evan Jackson in 2011, Detroit Creativity Project is a registered nonprofit focused on bringing improv courses to Detroit Public Schools. Detroit Free Press, 1 Apr. 2024 Last year, Grubbs teamed up with fellow improv guitarist Alan Courtis for an album called Braintrust of Fiends and Werewolves. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'improv.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

short for improvisation

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of improv was in 1978

Dictionary Entries Near improv

Cite this Entry

“Improv.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improv. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on improv

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