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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. 1 :  by compulsion :  without choice

  2. 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

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