improv
improv Lexical Profile
improv Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A form of live theater, comedy, or music in which the plot, characters, dialogue, or melody are invented spontaneously in the moment without a written script.
"The local comedy club hosts an evening of live improv every Friday night."
An individual unscripted performance, scene, or exercise created spontaneously by actors or musicians.
"The acting students warmed up by performing several short improvs based on audience suggestions."
• adjective
Relating to or involving theatrical, comedic, or musical improvisation performed without a script.
"She signed up for an evening improv class to build her confidence in public speaking."
• verb
To perform or invent dialogue, action, or music spontaneously without a prepared script.
"When the actor forgot his lines halfway through the scene, he had to improv until the next cue."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-20th century as an informal clipping of 'improvisation', which traces back through French and Italian 'improvviso' to Latin 'improvisus' (unforeseen or unexpected).