Dictionary

improvise

verb im·pro·vise \ˈim-prə-ˌvīz also ˌim-prə-ˈ\

: to speak or perform without preparation

: to make or create (something) by using whatever is available

im·pro·visedim·pro·vis·ing

Full Definition of IMPROVISE

transitive verb
1
:  to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously
2
:  to make, invent, or arrange offhand
3
:  to make or fabricate out of what is conveniently on hand <improvise a meal>
intransitive verb
:  to improvise something
im·pro·vis·er or im·pro·vi·sor \-ˌvī-zər, -ˈvī-\ noun
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Origin of IMPROVISE

French improviser, from Italian improvvisare, from improvviso sudden, from Latin improvisus, literally, unforeseen, from in- + provisus, past participle of providēre to see ahead — more at provide
First Known Use: 1826

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

Rhymes with IMPROVISE

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IMPROVISE Defined for Kids

improvise

verb im·pro·vise \ˈim-prə-ˌvīz\
im·pro·visedim·pro·vis·ing

Definition of IMPROVISE for Kids

1
:  to speak or perform without preparing ahead of time <I improvised a song on the spot.>
2
:  to make, invent, or arrange by using whatever is available <… Cluny sat beneath an awning that had been improvised from the damaged tent. — Brian Jacques, Redwall>

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