ad-lib
[ ad-lib, ad- ]
/ ædˈlɪb, ˈæd- /
verb (used with object), ad-libbed, ad-lib·bing.
to improvise all or part of (a speech, a piece of music, etc.): to ad-lib one's lines.
verb (used without object), ad-libbed, ad-lib·bing.
to act, speak, etc., without preparation: Throughout the play he had to ad-lib constantly.
adjective
impromptu; extemporaneous: ad-lib remarks to hecklers.
Origin of ad-lib
1915–20,
Americanism; v. use of
ad lib
OTHER WORDS FROM ad-lib
ad-lib·ber, nounWords nearby ad-lib
ad valorem tax,
ad verbum,
ad vitam,
ad vivum,
ad-,
ad-lib,
ad.,
ada,
ada deficiency,
adabazar,
adactylous
Definition for ad-lib (2 of 3)
ad lib
[ ad lib, ad ]
/ æd ˈlɪb, ˈæd /
noun
something improvised in speech, music, etc.: Was that joke part of your speech or an ad lib?
adverb
at one's pleasure; without restriction.
freely; as needed; without stint: Water can be given to the patients ad lib.
Origin of ad lib
First recorded in 1810–20; see origin at
ad libitum
Definition for ad-lib (3 of 3)
Example sentences from the Web for ad-lib
They told me to forget the script because I was going to have to ad-lib everything.
Charlie Brotman, Announcer of Presidential Inaugurals Since Truman’s |Sandra McElwaine |January 17, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
British Dictionary definitions for ad-lib
Derived forms of ad-lib
ad-libber, nounWord Origin for ad-lib
C18: short for Latin
ad libitum, literally: according to pleasure
Medical definitions for ad-lib
ad lib.
abbr.
ad libitum (freely, as desired)