intersection

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈsek-shən 

especially in sense 1 ˈin-tər-ˌsek-

1

: a place or area where two or more things (such as streets) intersect

2

: the act or process of intersecting

3

a

: the set of elements common to two or more sets

especially : the set of points common to two geometric configurations

b

: the operation of finding the intersection of two or more sets

Illustration of intersection

• a intersection 3a

Synonyms of intersection

• junction
• corner
• crossroad
• crossing

Examples of intersection in a Sentence

The accident occurred at a busy intersection.

two possible points of intersection

the intersection of line A and line B

Recent Examples on the Web

The intersection was littered with burning car parts, streaks of blood stained the asphalt, and black smoke filled the sky. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The new plan also identified that 81% of crashes in the city occur within 150 feet of an intersection. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

My research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and knowledge work provides a different view, however. — Monideepa Tarafdar, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026

These cameras photograph moving vehicles, typically at places like traffic intersections. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for intersection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• introjection
• introspection

Kids Definition

intersection

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌint-ər-ˈsek-shən 

1

: the act or process of intersecting

2

: the place or point where two or more things and especially streets intersect

a busy intersection

3

: the set of mathematical elements shared by two or more sets

especially : the set of points shared by two geometric figures