improv

adjective

im·​prov ˈim-ˌpräv How to pronounce improv (audio)
: of, relating to, or being improvisation and especially an improvised comedy routine
improv noun

Examples of improv in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sounds like a fair trade, not to mention a good opportunity for Dexter to practice his improv skills. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025 All three are stand-up comedians rather than improv/sketch performers, and all three are relatively recent hires—a surprising trend at a time when the show’s cast is driven by veterans of five years or more, including Bowen Yang, Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Mikey Day and Kenan Thompson. Dave Paulson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 And between season 11 and season 12, Lorne went out and got Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman and Kevin Nealon and Jan Hooks, and some of the all-time greatest cast members who all came out of kind of an improv tradition. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2025 The venue will also offer improv classes, improv for the workplace and private coaching, marketing itself as not only a hub for entertainment but for creativity, skill-building and community connection. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for improv

Word History

Etymology

short for improvisation

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of improv was in 1978

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Cite this Entry

“Improv.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improv. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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