ad-lib

play

verb \ ˈad-ˈlib \

Definition of ad-lib

ad-libbed; ad-libbing

transitive verb

:to deliver spontaneously

intransitive verb

:to improvise especially lines or a speech

—

ad-lib

noun

See ad-lib defined for English-language learners

See ad-lib defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of ad-lib

ad lib

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1910

See Words from the same year

ad-lib Synonyms

Synonyms

ad-lib, clap (together or up), extemporize, fake

Related Words

concoct, contrive, cook (up), devise, fabricate, hatch, invent, make up, manufacture, think (up); cobble (together or up), dash (off)

Near Antonyms

arrange, lay, prepare, ready; consider, contemplate, ponder, study; exercise, practice (also practise), rehearse

ad-lib

adjective

Definition of ad-lib

:spoken, composed, or performed without preparation

First Known Use of ad-lib

1819

ad-lib Synonyms

Synonyms

ad hoc, ad-lib, down and dirty, extemporary, extempore, impromptu, improvisational, improvised, offhand, offhanded, off-the-cuff, snap, spur-of-the-moment, unconsidered, unplanned, unpremeditated, unprepared, unrehearsed, unstudied

Antonyms

considered, planned, premeditated, premeditative, prepared, rehearsed

Related Words

unscripted; automatic, impulsive, instinctive, involuntary, spontaneous; casual, cursive, informal, unauthorized; half-baked, half-cocked, ill-advised

Near Antonyms

deliberate, intended, intentional

ad lib

adverb

Definition of ad lib

1 :in accordance with one's wishes

2 :without restraint or limit

See ad lib defined for kids

Origin and Etymology of ad lib

New Latin ad libitum

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1791

See Words from the same year

AD-LIB Defined for English Language Learners

ad-lib

play

verb

Definition of ad-lib for English Language Learners

: to make up words or music in a performance instead of saying or playing something that has been planned

AD-LIB Defined for Kids

ad-lib

verb \ ˈad-ˈlib \

Definition of ad-lib for Students

ad-libbed; ad-libbing

:to make up something and especially music or spoken lines during a performance :improvise

Medical Dictionary

ad-lib

adjective \ (ˈ)ad-ˈlib \

medical Definition of ad-lib

:made or done spontaneously :not controlled by a schedule

ad-lib feeding of animals

ad lib

play

adverb \ (ˈ)ad-ˈlib \

medical Definition of ad lib

:without restraint or imposed limit :as much or as often as is wanted

the animals were given water ad lib
—Science

—often used in writing prescriptions

Learn More about ad-lib

See words that rhyme with ad-lib Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ad-lib Nglish: Translation of ad-lib for Spanish speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up ad-lib? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

ad-lib

Definition of ad-lib

ad-lib

People Are Reading

Origin and Etymology of ad-lib

ad-lib Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

ad-lib

Definition of ad-lib

First Known Use of ad-lib

ad-lib Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

ad lib

Definition of ad lib

Origin and Etymology of ad lib

AD-LIB Defined for English Language Learners

ad-lib

Definition of ad-lib for English Language Learners

AD-LIB Defined for Kids

ad-lib

Definition of ad-lib for Students

Medical Dictionary

ad-lib

medical Definition of ad-lib

ad lib

medical Definition of ad lib

Learn More about ad-lib

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

Trending: Ivanka: "An 'Otherwise' Incredible Day"

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

Words of the Year: 1066