interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈin-tər-ˌlüd 

1

: an intervening or interruptive period, space, or event : interval

2

: a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer composition, a drama, or a religious service

3

: a usually short simple play or dramatic entertainment

Synonyms of interlude

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• pause
• gap
• intermission

Examples of interlude in a Sentence

She left for a brief interlude.

He has resumed his acting career after a two-year interlude.

They always met in the city for their romantic interludes.

a drama with musical interludes

Recent Examples on the Web

The rest of his show follows a more rigid structure, with pre-written songs and interludes of traditional stand-up comedy — and no, the autotune is not always on. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025

Get ready for an interlude of riotous laughter as Richard Todd Adams and Max Roll take the audience on a musical comedic journey about their would-be careers as concert pianists. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025

Long before humankind – that brief, busy interlude. —Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025

Being a quick study is an invaluable knack in repertory theatre, which is where Hopkins, with a two-year interlude for compulsory military service, kicked off his career. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enterlude, from Medieval Latin interludium, from Latin inter- + ludus play — more at ludicrous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for interlude

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interviewed

Kids Definition

interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈint-ər-ˌlüd 

1

: a performance between the acts of a play

2

: an intervening period, space, or event : interval

3

: a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer one, a drama, or a religious service