improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shən 

ˌim-prə-və-,

 also  ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-

1

: the act or art of improvising

2

: something (such as a musical or dramatic composition) improvised

improvisational

(ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌim-prə-və-

 also  ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-

adjective

improvisationally adverb

Synonyms

• ad-lib
• extemporization
• impromptu
• improv

Examples of improvisation in a Sentence

that comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation

Recent Examples on the Web

In March, Moore joined Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones onstage at Tennessee’s Big Ears Music Festival for 25 minutes of free-form sound improvisation at earbleed volume that had some audience members, perhaps mistakenly expecting something with a backbeat, fleeing for the exits. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 9 June 2024

For Lawrence and Smith, one of their favorite improvisations came in 2003’s Bad Boys II, as Reggie [Dennis Greene] arrived at the Burnett home to take Marcus’ daughter on a date. —Rivea Ruff, Essence, 4 June 2024

Lots of music by Bach, of course, but also jazzy improvisations and a concert to celebrate a daft knight-errant. —Patrick Neas, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2024

In the mornings, campers engage in interactive classes that focus on storytelling, voice, movement, music and improvisation. —Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 28 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌpräv-ə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌim-prə-və-

1

: the act or art of improvising

2

: something that is improvised

improvisational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective