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willy-nilly

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adverb or adjective wil·ly-nil·ly \ ˌwi-lē-ˈni-lē \

Definition of willy-nilly

1 :by compulsion :without choice
2 :in a haphazard or spontaneous manner

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Origin and Etymology of willy-nilly

alteration of will I nill I or will ye nill ye or will he nill he

WILLY-NILLY Defined for English Language Learners

willy-nilly

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adverb

Definition of willy-nilly for English Language Learners

  • : in a careless and unplanned way

  • : in a way that does not allow any choices or planning

Learn More about willy-nilly

  1. See words that rhyme with willy-nilly Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for willy-nilly Nglish: Translation of willy-nilly for Spanish speakers

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