Definition of "willy-nilly" in English

Adverb

1. Whether desired or not; without regard for consequences or wishes of those affected; whether willingly or unwillingly.

   • Some writers chasing money churn out novels willy-nilly.

2. Seemingly at random; haphazardly.

   • The novel Alice in Wonderland describes a place where things happen willy-nilly.

Adjective

1. That happens whether willingly or unwillingly.

2. Seemingly random; haphazard; arbitrary.