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 of improvisation

• impromptu
• improv

Examples of improvisation in a Sentence

that comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation

Recent Examples on the Web

The repetitive elements and anchored improvisations are thrilling but easy to follow, even for a complete novice. —Literary Hub, 6 May 2026

On their second studio album, and fifth overall, the North Carolina trio Setting tend their own field in this vast electroacoustic openness, rhythm and drone pointing further outward across five sculpted improvisations, ready for the latest of nights or the earliest of mornings. —Jesse Jarnow, Pitchfork, 4 May 2026

The students have been studying jazz big band repertoire, improvisation techniques and the art of ensemble performance weekly with Larson, Rick Salonen from the University of Arkansas and Ryan Yumang from the University of North Texas. —Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 25 Apr. 2026

But drag is messy and pushed me toward improvisation. —Gabe Montesanti, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for improvisation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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