1
a
: concerned with a particular end or purpose
an ad hoc investigating committee
b
: formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs
ad hoc solutions
2
: fashioned from whatever is immediately available : improvised
On his desk sits an ad hoc model rocket, jerry-rigged together from a paper clip and an old pencil eraser.—
John Semley
John Semley
: for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application
The decisions were made ad hoc.
Did you know?
In Latin ad hoc literally means "for this," and in English the term describes anything that can be thought of as existing "for this purpose only." For example, an ad hoc committee is generally authorized to look into a single matter of limited scope, not to broadly pursue any issue of interest. Ad hoc can also be used as an adverb meaning "for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application," as in "decisions were made ad hoc."
Examples of ad hoc in a Sentence
Adjective
The mayor appointed an ad hoc committee to study the project.
We had to make some ad hoc changes to the plans.
We'll hire more staff on an ad hoc basis.
Recent Examples on the Web
Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
Of note, recognizing these concerns, the commission voted in December 2025 to establish an ad hoc Governance Committee to review all governing documents and create policies and procedures to allow the pension commission to fulfill its fiduciary duties.
—Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
Enter Jimmy Cialella and John Denisi, who renovated the deli and formalized Phil’s formerly ad hoc menu with Jake Santini, a Southwest Philly savant.
—Adam Erace, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026
Resources spent establishing ad hoc facilities overseas are resources not being directed toward controlling the outbreak at its source.
—Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ad hoc
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Adjective
An ad hoc subcommittee consisting of board members Kevin Hastings, Tracy Dezenzo and Greg Diamond was formed June 2 to consolidate and expand last year’s recommendations to be presented to the full board for possible adoption at its meeting Tuesday, July 7.
—Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
Of note, recognizing these concerns, the commission voted in December 2025 to establish an ad hoc Governance Committee to review all governing documents and create policies and procedures to allow the pension commission to fulfill its fiduciary duties.
—Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
Enter Jimmy Cialella and John Denisi, who renovated the deli and formalized Phil’s formerly ad hoc menu with Jake Santini, a Southwest Philly savant.
—Adam Erace, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026
Resources spent establishing ad hoc facilities overseas are resources not being directed toward controlling the outbreak at its source.
—Krutika Kuppalli, STAT, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ad hoc
Cite this Entry
“Ad hoc.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ad%20hoc. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
ad hoc
1 of 2 adverb
: for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application
ad hoc
2 of 2 adjective1
: concerned with a particular end or purpose
an ad hoc investigating committee
2
: formed or used for specific or immediate problems or needs
ad hoc solutions
Etymology
Adverb
Latin, for this
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