interim

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time : interval

interim

2 of 2

adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

Synonyms

Noun

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• gap
• pause

Adjective

• temporary
• provisional
• transitional

Examples of interim in a Sentence

Noun

there was a brief interim in the proceedings while everyone got organized

Adjective

putting up some students in local motels is obviously just an interim solution to the college's housing shortage

will serve as interim head of the police department until the investigation is completed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the last dozen years, the school has had five presidents (including interims) with varying interest in sports. —Matt Baker, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

Not the official interim Barnes will serve in the position for 30 days, McGee said. —Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025

Adjective

The interim coach that season is the same guy who will try to devise a plan to slow the Panthers’ rushing attack Sunday — Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. —Joseph Person, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025

Lonnie Ali, co-founder of the center and wife of the late Muhammad Ali, will be appointed chairman and serve as interim president and CEO. —Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, adverb, meanwhile, from inter between — more at inter-

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing interim

• ad interim
• in the interim

Kids Definition

interim

noun

in·​ter·​im

ˈin-tə-rəm

: a time intervening : interval

interim adjective

Legal Definition

interim

1 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time see also ad interim

interim

2 of 2 adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

an interim disposition