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willy-nilly

adverb or adjective
wil·​ly-nil·​ly | \ ËŒwi-lÄ“-ˈni-lÄ“ How to pronounce willy-nilly (audio) \

Definition of willy-nilly

1 : by compulsion : without choice
2 : in a haphazard or spontaneous manner

First Known Use of willy-nilly

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for willy-nilly

alteration of will I nill I or will ye nill ye or will he nill he

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More Definitions for willy-nilly

willy-nilly

adverb
How to pronounce willy-nilly (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of willy-nilly

: in a careless and unplanned way
: in a way that does not allow any choices or planning

See the full definition for willy-nilly in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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More from Merriam-Webster on willy-nilly

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with willy-nilly

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for willy-nilly

Spanish Central: Translation of willy-nilly

Nglish: Translation of willy-nilly for Spanish Speakers

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