improv

adjective

im·​prov ˈim-ˌpräv How to pronounce improv (audio)
Synonyms of improvnext
: 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
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From Fort Worth to ‘Live from New York’ Culhane started theater in Los Angeles, doing improv bits during high school. Ella Gonzales may 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 The Improv returns to New York in partnership with The Second City, the Chicago improv comedy company and training center that launched the careers of Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Martin Short, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Stephen Colbert, and many more. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 May 2026 This year’s acts include new plays and musicals, music, standup and improv comedy, cabaret, Shakespearean swordplay, dance, drag shows and acrobatics. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026 The trailer for the documentary, which premieres on May 12, also includes archival footage of Short and O’Hara — who first met in the early '70s in Toronto’s improv scene — dancing together in a home. Lizzie Hyman, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 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 21 May. 2026.

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