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

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• pause
• gap

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

Almost skipping back towards the drumkit, Townshend came racing back to the mic ahead of a bluesy late interlude on stage in the Windy City, the home of the electrified artform. —Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Like Lionel, The History of Sound becomes stuck on its youthful interlude, a period that’s more alive than everything that comes next, and that’s also, less successfully, presented as a mystery to be solved. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025

Djokovic’s shots were not quite on-target early and, but for a brief interlude in the second set, his usual verve was not present. —Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

During these floaty interludes, the team tested manual CPR and three types of automatic chest compression devices. —New Atlas, 6 Sep. 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