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

Throughout the album, the recurring harmonies and rhythms of Bell’s compositions don’t at all inhibit his improvisations but, rather, urge them along with provocative, unsettling nudges. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2024

Some coming from independent films, some coming from improvisation, some coming from giant movies, some coming from small movies. —Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 10 July 2024

The format is only slightly different from standard battles, and the most important element — improvisation — remains. —Aja Romano, Vox, 8 Aug. 2024

The goal of the All Stars program is for students not only to master their instruments but to learn improvisation techniques, music theory, arranging, composition, performance and jazz history. —Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 28 July 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