Ad-lib

Origin

From ad lib.

Full definition of ad-lib

Verb

1. To improvise all or part of a speech or other performance, especially in comedy.
• 1998 December 21, The New Yorker,Hope’s onstage ad-libbing generated more humor and attention than the show’s lacklustre libretto.
• 2004 March 15, The New Yorker,I watched Jeb Bush as his brother spoke. He paid attention, grinned and laughed, even ad-libbed when called upon.

Derived terms

• ad-libber