improvisation

[ im-prov-uh-zey-shuhn, im-pruh-vuh- ]

noun

1. the art or act of improvising, or of composing, uttering, executing, or arranging anything without previous preparation:

   Musical improvisation involves imagination and creativity.

2. something improvised:

   The actor's improvisation in Act II was both unexpected and amazing.

Other Words From

• im·provi·sation·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of improvisation¹

First recorded in 1780–90; improvise + -ation

Example Sentences

Jenkins, who never wed or had children of her own, centered kids in her work, featuring them on her recordings and teaching them her core principles: careful listening, singing and improvisation.

From Los Angeles Times

But there is a sense they rely on such off-the-cuff improvisation, rather than the methodical working over and opening up of opponents.

From BBC

In the mornings they all took cooking classes and in the afternoons they participated in improvisation exercises to build a natural rapport.

From Los Angeles Times

There was little room for improvisation on set, but the endless rewriting Audiard did on the script allowed him to incorporate helpful and insightful feedback from cast and crew alike.

From Los Angeles Times

Baking can feel rigid compared to savory cooking, which often allows for more improvisation.

From Salon

Related Words

• spontaneity