1
: in a careless and unplanned way
They decided willy-nilly to change the rules.
2
: in a way that does not allow any choices or planning
We are being forced willy-nilly to accept whatever the government decides.
Cite this Entry
“Willy-nilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/willy-nilly. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
