improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shən 

ˌim-prə-və-,

 also  ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-

1

: the act or art of improvising

2

: something (such as a musical or dramatic composition) improvised

improvisational

(ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌim-prə-və-

 also  ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-

adjective

improvisationally adverb

Synonyms

• ad-lib
• extemporization
• impromptu
• improv

Examples of improvisation in a Sentence

that comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether by design or improvisation, the Javier Milei administration is laying out its own governing methodology which, as expected, is unlike any of what his predecessors attempted. —Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

Heart Matter’s original songs combine chamber music with Brazilian rhythm and jazz improvisation. —Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌpräv-ə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌim-prə-və-

1

: the act or art of improvising

2

: something that is improvised

improvisational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective