Word of the Day:

March 4, 2026

ad hoc

adjective AD-HOCK

What it Means

Ad hoc describes something that is formed or used for a special purpose, or that is made or done without planning because of an immediate need.

// An ad hoc committee was formed to investigate the matter.

// The company will hire more staff on an ad hoc basis.

See the entry

Ad hoc in Context

"At the centre of the plan were tools designed to help governments and councils move beyond ad hoc responses to extreme weather." — Kirsty Johnston, The New Zealand Herald, 31 Jan. 2026

More example sentences

Test Your Vocabulary with M-W Games & Quizzes

QUIZ Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise

QUIZ Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will make a new word. Rinse and repeat.

Latest Quizzes

Did You Know?

In Latin ad hoc literally means "for this," and in English the term describes anything that can be thought of as existing "for this purpose only." For example, an ad hoc committee is generally authorized to look into a single matter of limited scope, not to broadly pursue any issue of interest. Ad hoc can also be used as an adverb meaning "for the particular end or case at hand without consideration of wider application," as in "decisions were made ad hoc."

Quiz

Fill in the blanks to complete an adjective meaning "composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment": e _ t _ _ p o _ a _ _ o u s.

View the Answer