Simple Definition of improvise

from our Learner's Dictionary

improvise

verb

improvises; improvised; improvising
1
: to speak or perform without preparation
If you forget any of your lines, try to improvise.
Good jazz musicians know how to improvise.
He had to improvise his opening speech when he forgot his notes.
The trumpet player performed an improvised solo.
2
: to make or create (something) by using whatever is available
I wasn't expecting guests, so I had to improvise a meal with what I had in my refrigerator.

Cite this Entry

“Improvise.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/improvise. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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