improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce improvisation (audio)
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 How to pronounce improvisation (audio)
ˌim-prə-və-
 also  ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-
adjective
improvisationally adverb

Examples of improvisation in a Sentence

that comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation
Recent Examples on the Web Throw in the free jazz improvisations of Ornette Coleman, whom Reed also revered at that time, and such eclecticism could just as well be the template for the Velvet Underground. Jeremy Lybarger, The New Republic, 17 Oct. 2023 Jackson’s improvisation Despite the Ravens replacing Greg Roman with Todd Monken as the offensive coordinator this season, the team’s best play is still quarterback Lamar Jackson running around and improvising. Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 7 Aug. 2023 But so much came from the actors also, with their fierce embrace of improvisation. Callum McLennan, Variety, 7 Nov. 2023 Peach and Blackberry Crisp The simplicity of this crisp allows for plenty of improvisation. Ben Mims, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2023 Wong punctured the dominant historical nostalgia with Hitchcockian psychological suspense and a Godard-esque embrace of youth culture and improvisation. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 1 Sep. 2023 Fans will simply have to deal with the improvisation, which is her prerogative. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 18 Oct. 2023 The answer, according to experts, is through a combination of guile, improvisation, tenacity and an important overseas benefactor. Brad Lendon, CNN, 11 Oct. 2023 Group vocals, masterful improvisation, and a ceaseless swinging pocket keep audiences smiling. The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'improvisation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of improvisation was in 1777

Dictionary Entries Near improvisation

Cite this Entry

“Improvisation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvisation. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

improvisation

noun
im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌpräv-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce improvisation (audio)
ˌim-prə-və-
1
: the act or art of improvising
2
: something that is improvised
improvisational
-shnəl How to pronounce improvisation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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