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 of intersect

• 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

Where to look The radiant is the place in the sky where the paths of shower members, if extended backward, would intersect when plotted on a star chart. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 18 July 2026

Their simulations focused on where the protective layer intersects the electrolyte, the lithium metal anode, and the cathode materials. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

There’s some wisdom in not having a rape threat hover over ten hours of serialized television, and the shift has opened up some thorny connections between Cady and Anna Bowden, whose pasts continue to intersect in intriguing ways. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 July 2026

Charlie Gardiner - Far Afield Once again blurring the boundaries between illustration and fashion, British menswear label Far Afield’s most recent collaboration celebrates the creative possibilities that emerge when disciplines intersect. — Roddy Clarke, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

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