improvisation
Americannoun
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the art or act of improvising, or of composing, uttering, executing, or arranging anything without previous preparation.
Musical improvisation involves imagination and creativity.
-
something improvised.
The actor's improvisation in Act II was both unexpected and amazing.
noun
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the act or an instance of improvising
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a product of improvising; something improvised
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of improvisation
Explanation
Improvisation is making it up as you go along, like taking a long stroll with no destination in mind and walking down random streets for the fun of it. Making choices that aren’t planned ahead of time, that’s improvisation. Jazz musicians are masters of improvisation, creating saxophone solos off the top of their heads based on what they feel in the moment. The Latin word improvisus means “unforeseen,” and improvisation happens when you can’t see the end goal but you keep moving ahead, dealing with obstacles in a creative way.
Vocabulary lists containing improvisation
Starting Your New Life: Inspiring Words from Commencement Speeches
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Dwight D. Eisenhower, "The Military-Industrial Complex" (1961)
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Theater - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Improvisation remains an element, but players must work within the system.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025
"Improvisation and spontaneous creation has been a part of what she's done ever since she was a little kid," he said.
From Salon • Mar. 28, 2025
Born in Crowley in 1935, Jordan moved to New Orleans at 20 years old and created “The Improvisation Arts Quintet” in 1975.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 8, 2023
Improvisation leaves you open to good or bad performances and the idea is to stay consistent.
From New York Times • Jun. 12, 2020
Improvisation requires an understanding of the chord progression.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
