improv

adjective

im·​prov ˈim-ˌpräv How to pronounce improv (audio)
: of, relating to, or being improvisation and especially an improvised comedy routine
improv noun

Examples of improv in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The next guest was Bruce Buckles, whom Robinson introduced as a random improv student in New York trying to break into the business. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024 Gaffigan decided to take an improv class to work on that last one. Olivia McCormack, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024 Founded by Evan Jackson in 2011, Detroit Creativity Project is a registered nonprofit focused on bringing improv courses to Detroit Public Schools. Detroit Free Press, 1 Apr. 2024 Last year, Grubbs teamed up with fellow improv guitarist Alan Courtis for an album called Braintrust of Fiends and Werewolves. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2024 An improv class draws thespians ages 8 to 12, while another course on the fundamentals of auditioning is popular with those ages 11 to 18. Michelle Strausbaugh, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2024 Jessica’s involvement in the OC Cappies team and her role as the director of the Dana Hills improv team underscore her leadership and commitment to fostering artistic excellence in the community. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 Leonardo DiCaprio missed out on a Best Actor nomination for Killers of the Flower Moon, but based on what filmmaker Martin Scorsese has said about his improv skills during the film’s production, DiCaprio might be our new king of comedy. Vulture, 30 Jan. 2024 Rooms 3 and 4 will be devoted to performing arts classes, such as improv theater training or dance classes. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'improv.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

short for improvisation

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of improv was in 1978

Dictionary Entries Near improv

Cite this Entry

“Improv.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improv. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on improv

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