ad lib
something improvised in speech, music, etc.: Was that joke part of your speech or an ad lib?
at one's pleasure; without restriction.
freely; as needed; without stint:Water can be given to the patients ad lib.
Origin of ad lib
1Other definitions for ad-lib (2 of 3)
to improvise all or part of (a speech, a piece of music, etc.): to ad-lib one's lines.
to act, speak, etc., without preparation: Throughout the play he had to ad-lib constantly.
impromptu; extemporaneous: ad-lib remarks to hecklers.
Origin of ad-lib
2Other words from ad-lib
- ad-libber, noun
Other definitions for ad lib. (3 of 3)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for ad-lib
/ (ædˈlɪb) /
to improvise and deliver without preparation (a speech, musical performance, etc)
improvised; impromptu
an improvised performance, often humorous
Origin of ad-lib
1Derived forms of ad-lib
- ad-libber, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse