to make up, compose, or perform something without preparation, inventing it as you go along.
The jazz pianist started to improvise a solo when the singer forgot the lyrics.
Without ingredients for dinner, the mother had to improvise a meal from what was in the fridge.
✦ Early 19th century (originally denoting impromptu composition in music or verse): from French improviser, from Italian improvvisare, based on Latin improvisus ‘unforeseen’, from in- ‘not’ + provisus, past participle of providere ‘foresee’.
the act or art of composing, performing, or doing something without preparation.
The comedian's quick improvisation saved the failing skit.
During the jazz concert, the saxophonist's improvisation brought the house down.
✦ Late 18th century: from French improvisation, from improviser 'improvise', from Italian improvvisare, from Latin improvisus 'unforeseen', from in- 'not' + provisus 'foreseen' (from providere 'foresee').
