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.
Victor has a background in improv comedy, and came to fame, in part, through video routines that went viral on social media: here is Victor muddling through an awkward blind date, or riffing on the contents of a hardware store. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 June 2025 The actors note that there wasn't much improv in the movie, with the exception of the aforementioned intervention scene. Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 14 June 2025 Surprisingly, for a film about improv comics, there wasn't much improvising in the movie, except for Mohammed. Mekishana Pierre Published, EW.com, 11 June 2025 Children ages 8 to 14 years old will learn improv techniques, comedy writing and stage performance. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 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 14 Aug. 2025.

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