to perform or make quickly from materials and sources available, without previous planning
2.
to perform (a poem, play, piece of music, etc), composing as one goes along
Derived forms
improviser (ˈimproˌviser)
noun
Word origin
C19: from French, from Italian improvvisare, from Latin imprōvīsus unforeseen, from im- (not) + prōvīsus, from prōvidēre to foresee; see provide
improvise in American English
(ˈɪmprəˌvaɪz)
verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈimproˌvised or ˈimproˌvising
1.
to compose, or simultaneously compose and perform, on the spur of the moment and without any preparation; extemporize
2.
a.
to bring about, make, or do on the spur of the moment
to improvise a solution to a problem
b.
to make, provide, or do with the tools and materials at hand, usually to fill an unforeseen and immediate need
to improvise a bed out of leaves
SIMILAR WORDS: imˈprompˌtu
Derived forms
improviser (ˈimproˌviser)
noun or ˈimproˌvisor or imˈproviˌsator (ɪmˈprɑvɪˌzeɪtər)
Word origin
Fr improviser < It improvvisare < improvviso, unprepared < L improvisus, unforeseen < in-, not + provisus, pp. of providere, to foresee, anticipate: see provide
Examples of 'improvise' in a sentence
improvise
He had twice been riding in an armoured vehicle that struck an improvised explosive device, and was injured once in friendly fire.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
How much of the music is improvised?
The Sun (2009)
The officers realised quickly that they were dealing with a roughly assembled improvised bomb.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It has also been used in Iraq in improvised explosive devices.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
At least 50 improvised explosive device attacks occurred daily.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
To escape the unhappy atmosphere, she turned to improvising plays based on pictures from magazines.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They clearly enjoyed it so much they've reunited for this improvised comedy.
The Sun (2010)
This means improvised explosive device.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Under the empty gaze of Senegalese guards, the men improvised shelters by burrowing into the wet sand.
Paul Preston The Spanish Civil War: Reaction, Revolution and Revenge
In other languages
improvise
British English: improvise VERB
If you improvise, you make or do something using whatever you have.
You need a wok with a steaming rack for this; if you don't have one, improvise.