intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
1
: an interval between the parts of an entertainment (such as the acts of a play)
2
: the act of intermitting : the state of being intermitted
intermissionless adjective

Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission. an awkward intermission between speeches
Recent Examples on the Web The new version of the play clocks in at under three hours, including intermission, compared to the current running time of three-and-a-half hours. Caitlin Huston, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Oct. 2024 After intermission, Davis becomes Poirot, while Hendrickson takes on the role of somewhat befuddled wingman in Arthur Hastings. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2024 The final section of Wilder’s play – the three acts are performed without an intermission in this production, with Parson’s Stage Manager having some fun explaining away any confusion – is one of American drama’s most foolproof scenes, and Leon and his cast pull it off nicely. Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2024 Audience members will sit, without intermission, for more than an hour and a half. The New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intermission 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intermission.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intermyssyown, from Latin intermission-, intermissio, from intermittere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intermission was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near intermission

Cite this Entry

“Intermission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermission. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
1
: pause entry 1 sense 1, interruption
work without intermission
2
: a pause or interval between the parts of an entertainment (as the acts of a play)

Medical Definition

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
: the space of time between two paroxysms of a disease compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, remission

More from Merriam-Webster on intermission

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!