/ ˈɪmprəvaɪz; NAmE / verb
1.
to make or do sth using whatever is available, usually because you do not have what you really need :
[ v ]
There isn't much equipment. We're going to have to improvise.
[ vn ]
We improvised some shelves out of planks of wood and bricks.
2.
improvise (on sth) to invent music, the words in a play, a statement, etc. while you are playing or speaking, instead of planning it in advance :
[ v ]
'It'll be ready some time next week, I expect,' she said, improvising.
He improvised on the melody.
[ vn ]
an improvised speech
► im·pro·visa·tion / ˌɪmprəvaɪˈzeɪʃn; NAmE ɪmˌprɑːvəˈzeɪʃn/ noun [ U , C ]
••
WORD ORIGIN
early 19th cent. (earlier (late 18th cent.) as improvisation ): from French improviser or its source, Italian improvvisare , from improvviso extempore, from Latin improvisus unforeseen, based on provisus , past participle of providere make preparation for.