The meaning of AD-LIB is to deliver spontaneously. How to use ad-lib in a sentence.

ad-lib [ before noun ] ad-lib comments music specialized performed as the player or singer chooses, not following the exact written rhythms or notes:

An ad-lib is something which is said without having been planned or written beforehand. Every time I fluffed a line Lenny got me out of trouble with a brilliant ad-lib.

When you ad lib something, you make it up as you go along. You might attempt to ad lib your part in a play instead of memorizing your lines, with disastrous results.

Factsheet What does the word ad lib mean? There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word ad lib. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Oct 15, 2025 · When it first started being used in English, especially in music and theater, "ad libitum" (often shortened to "ad lib") meant to perform something without strict adherence to the score or …

Definition of ad lib verb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

AD LIB definition: something improvised in speech, music, etc.. See examples of ad lib used in a sentence.

ad-lib (ædˈlɪb) vb, -libs, -libbing or -libbed to improvise and deliver without preparation (a speech, musical performance, etc) adj (ad lib when predicative) improvised; impromptu

AD–LIB meaning: to make up words or music in a performance instead of saying or playing something that has been planned improvise