adv.
- Whether desired or not: After her boss fell sick, she willy-nilly found herself directing the project.
- Without order or plan; haphazardly.
- Being or occurring whether desired or not: willy-nilly cooperation.
- Disordered; haphazard: willy-nilly zoning laws.
[Alteration of will ye ( he), nill ye ( he), be you ( he) willing, be you ( he) unwilling.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
