interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈin-tər-ˌlüd How to pronounce interlude (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ann and her acolytes journey to America to find more followers—a portion of the tale that feels more adrift but then finds its footing, largely thanks to another musical interlude. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025 Driving interludes are another binding motif. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2025 Advertisement That theme, submerged beneath chaos and sarcasm, surfaces in these interludes. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 28 Aug. 2025 De la Rosa crafts an exciting adventure for her two lovers, from steamy interludes on the high seas to a swoony, intimate dance in the streets of Mexico. EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interlude

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of interlude was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interlude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interlude. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

interlude

noun
in·​ter·​lude ˈint-ər-ˌlüd How to pronounce interlude (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on interlude

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