improv

adjective

im·​prov ˈim-ˌpräv How to pronounce improv (audio)
Synonyms of improvnext
: 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
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In comedy, Sea Tea Improv offers three different Valentine’s improv events in its Sea Tea Comedy Theater at 15 Asylum St. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026 Venditti’s practice involves extensive on-the-ground scouting for even the smallest roles, an intense interview process, and improv exercises to get the first-timers comfortable. Nate Jones, Vulture, 6 Feb. 2026 Collins works closely with director Tamar Levine and lead actor Vic Michaelis to balance performers who are also Dropout regulars, exciting new performers coming up in improv comedy, and bigger names who might otherwise never have the opportunity to appear on Dropout. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2026 O’Hara was one of several prominent performers to emerge from the fabled Second City improv comedy troupe in Toronto, alongside Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Eugene Levy. Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for improv

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

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Cite this Entry

“Improv.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improv. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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