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 of sports, philanthropy and leadership is a tremendous opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders and provide career skills to those who may not have access to them. — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

According to police, the driver of the first vehicle ran a red light at the intersection of 4800 I-35 service road and 700 East Felix. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026

Tuesday, Montgomery County police and fire and rescue personnel responded to the intersection of Great Seneca Highway and Clopper Road after a report of a serious collision, police said. — Liam Scott, Washington Post, 4 Aug. 2026

Over the last six years, the city has made engineering enhancements—including red curb paint to improve sightlines, high-visibility crosswalks and new pedestrian features—across key intersections near the two campuses. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 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