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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As president of our Thespian Troupe and head of our school’s improv organization, Chelsea sets the standard for excellence, collaboration, and creativity. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025 With his castmates before him, Mulligan, a 37-year-old improv performer with bouncy theater kid energy, ginger-red hair, and an AM radio deejay’s voice, greets his hometown of New York City. Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025 Stewart was an early member of the Groundlings, a seminal improv comedy troupe that also included Reubens, Kathy Griffin, and future Saturday Night Live cast members Phil Hartman and Jon Lovitz at the time. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 22 Feb. 2025 Fey and Richmond met in 1994 in the Chicago improv scene. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for improv

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Improv.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improv. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on improv

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!