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ad-lib

Pronunciation: /ad ˈlɪb/

Translate ad-lib | into French | into Spanish
Definition of ad-lib

verb (ad-libs, ad-libbing, ad-libbed)

[no object]
  • speak or perform without previously preparing one’s words:Charles had to ad-lib because he’d forgotten his script

adverb & adjective

(also ad lib)
  • 1spoken or performed without previous preparation: [as adjective]:an ad-lib commentary [as adverb]:I spoke ad lib
  • Music (especially as a direction) with free rhythm and expression.
  • 2as much and as often as desired: [as adverb]:the price includes meals and drinks ad lib

noun

  • an ad-lib remark or speech: he came up with an apt ad-lib

Origin:

early 19th century (as an adverb): abbreviation of ad libitum

ad-lib in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of ad-lib in the US English dictionary
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