Ad hoc is a Latin word that means "for this" or "for this situation." It is used to describe something that has been formed or used for a special and immediate purpose, without previous planning. See examples of ad hoc as an adjective and an adverb. Define ad hoc . ad hoc synonyms, ad hoc pronunciation, ad hoc translation, English dictionary definition of ad hoc . adv. For the specific purpose, case, or situation at hand and for no other: a committee formed ad hoc to address the issue of salaries. adj. 1. There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the word ad hoc . See ‘ Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Something ad hoc is put together on the fly for one narrow, pressing, or special purpose . For example, a government committee arranged to address one specific problem would be an ad hoc committee. More loosely, it can mean "spontaneous," "unplanned," or "on the spot."
