Ad lib

/æd ˈlɪb/ adj, adv, noun, verb

adj, adv, noun, verb ·Moderate ·High school level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An instance of something improvised, especially a line.
  2. 2
    Improvised vocals added after the main vocals have been recorded which serve to emphasize the rhythm or fill the lyrical bar line.
Verb
  1. 1
    To perform without a script.
  2. 2
    To perform without preparation.
  3. 3
    To perform extemporaneously.

    "She ad libbed the rest of the scene."

  4. 4
    To perform ad libs; to improvise lyrics after the main lyrics have been recorded. intransitive
  5. 5
    To perform (lyrics) as ad libs. transitive
Adjective
  1. 1
    Extemporaneous, impromptu.
Adverb
  1. 1
    At pleasure.
  2. 2
    At will.
  3. 3
    As much as desired, to one's fill, without restriction.

    "For one thing I had a splendid supper when I got on board—a whack of cold, lean beef and pighells, bread, butter ad lib., tea, and plenty of good bread."

  4. 4
    Extemporaneously.
Adverb
  1. 1
    without advance preparation wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms
a beneplacitoa discretiona piaceread arbitriumad libitumad libitum

Example

More examples

"For one thing I had a splendid supper when I got on board—a whack of cold, lean beef and pighells, bread, butter ad lib., tea, and plenty of good bread."

Etymology

Abbreviation of ad libitum, borrowed from New Latin ad libitum.

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