Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

improv

/ˈɪmpɹɑv/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.18 in modern English

Syllables: im-prov
IPA: /ˈɪmpɹɑv/

13

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Countable; Informal; Uncountable

noun

A form of live entertainment characterized by improvisation and interaction with the audience.

Countable; Uncountable

verb

To perform improv.

Example Sentences

"She got her start doing improv at The Second City."
"During one improv workshop, Keith Johnstone told me to clear my mind and start again."

Etymology

Clipping of improvisation and improvise.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈɪmpɹɑv/
British English: /ˈɪmpɹɒv/

Usage

Inflected Forms

improvs (plural) improvs (present, singular) improvving (participle, present) improvved (participle, past) improvved (past)

Derived Forms

improver netprov soloprov twoprov

Phrases

improvisational comedy improvisational theatre

Synonyms

impro

Questions

How do you pronounce improv?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈɪmpɹɑv/.
What does improv mean?: Improvisation.
Where does improv come from?: Clipping of improvisation and improvise.

How to pronounce improv

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “improv”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈɪmpɹɑv/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “improv”.
Repeat and practice — Say “improv” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.