intersect

verb

in·​ter·​sect ˌin-tər-ˈsekt 

intersected; intersecting; intersects

transitive verb

: to pierce or divide by passing through or across : cross

a comet intersecting earth's orbit

one line intersects another

intransitive verb

1

: to meet and cross at a point

lines intersecting at right angles

2

: to share a common area : overlap

where morality and self-interest intersect

Synonyms

• cross

Examples of intersect in a Sentence

A dry stream bed intersects the trail in several places.

Line A intersects with line B.

The two roads intersect at the edge of town.

Recent Examples on the Web

The films are expected to intersect to capture the band’s improbable journey from Liverpool to the center of global culture, leading to their 1970 breakup. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025

The conversation around work permits also intersects with political considerations. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025

Miami Swim Week — The Shows features panels around beauty, wellness and lifestyle industries intersecting with traditional swim fashion. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025

The first option was Morrison Street, which intersects with Market Street, in front of the building that housed Morrow’s barbershop and media company. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin intersectus, past participle of intersecare, from inter- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for intersect

• architect
• circumspect
• deselect
• dialect
• disconnect
• disinfect
• disrespect
• incorrect
• indirect
• intellect
• interject
• pluperfect

Kids Definition

intersect

verb

in·​ter·​sect ˌint-ər-ˈsekt 

1

: to divide by passing through or across : cross

one line intersecting another

2

: to meet and cross at one or more points

overlapping circles intersect at two points