interim

1 of 2

noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time : interval

interim

2 of 2

adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

Synonyms

Noun

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• gap
• pause

Adjective

• temporary
• provisional
• transitional

Examples of interim in a Sentence

Noun

there was a brief interim in the proceedings while everyone got organized

Adjective

putting up some students in local motels is obviously just an interim solution to the college's housing shortage

will serve as interim head of the police department until the investigation is completed

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

By law, federal employees are guaranteed back pay once a government shutdown ends, but the bill was intended to provide pay for those working in the interim. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 27 Oct. 2025

He was hired as an interim in March, delivered qualification for the Champions League, and got the job on a permanent basis. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

Adjective

Christie took over as interim coach when Brown was fired in December. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025

The agreement says 15 nonpartisan technocrats will take over on an interim basis, but there's no timetable. —NPR, 22 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, adverb, meanwhile, from inter between — more at inter-

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1580, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1604, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing interim

• ad interim
• in the interim

Kids Definition

interim

noun

in·​ter·​im

ˈin-tə-rəm

: a time intervening : interval

interim adjective

Legal Definition

interim

1 of 2 noun

in·​ter·​im ˈin-tə-rəm 

: an intervening time see also ad interim

interim

2 of 2 adjective

: done, made, appointed, or occurring for an interim

an interim disposition