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
First Known Use: 1608
WILLY–NILLY Defined for English Language Learners
willy-nilly
play
adverb
Definition of willy–nilly for English Language Learners
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: in a careless and unplanned way
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: in a way that does not allow any choices or planning
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