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Definition of willy-nilly adverb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

willy-nilly

adverb
 
/ˌwɪli ˈnɪli/
 
/ˌwɪli ˈnɪli/
(informal)
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  1. whether you want to or not
    • She was forced willy-nilly to accept the company's proposals.
  2. in a careless way without planning
    • Don't use your credit card willy-nilly.
    3. Word Originearly 17th cent.: later spelling of will I, nill I ‘I am willing, I am unwilling’.
See willy-nilly in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
Check pronunciation: willy-nilly

Nearby words

trait
noun
 
 
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