interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈin-tər-ˌlüd How to pronounce interlude (audio)
Synonyms of interludenext
1
: an intervening or interruptive period, space, or event : interval
2
: a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer composition, a drama, or a religious service
3
: a usually short simple play or dramatic entertainment

Examples of interlude in a Sentence

She left for a brief interlude. He has resumed his acting career after a two-year interlude. They always met in the city for their romantic interludes. a drama with musical interludes
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jean-Baptiste, who trained as a cellist, arranges his songs—some of which are barely over a minute long—like a chamber cycle punctuated with interludes. Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 14 Apr. 2026 In an interlude between fights, the theme song from Mortal Kombat played. Robin Wright, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026 One bizarre, nearly 7-minute interlude featured Susan Sarandon playing an older version of Carpenter, delivering a wistful monologue about what a future niece might think of her. Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026 Carpenter’s Girl Meets World co-star Fogelmanis suddenly appeared towards the end of Sarandon’s interlude, playing a tired waiter who was trying to clock out for an emergency. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for interlude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enterlude "dramatic entertainment," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French entreludie, borrowed from Medieval Latin interlūdium, from Latin inter- inter- + lūdus "play, game" (derivative of lūdere "to play") + -ium, suffix of compound nouns — more at ludicrous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of interlude was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Interlude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interlude. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

interlude

noun
in·​ter·​lude ˈint-ər-ˌlüd How to pronounce interlude (audio)
1
: a performance between the acts of a play
2
: an intervening period, space, or event : interval
3
: a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer one, a drama, or a religious service

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