interlude

noun in·ter·lude \ ˈin-tər-ˌlüd \

|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Examples: interlude in a Sentence

Definition of interlude

1 : a usually short simple play or dramatic entertainment

2 : an intervening or interruptive period, space, or event : interval

3 : a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer composition, a drama, or a religious service

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See interlude defined for kids

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 of interlude from the Web

In fact, the playwright goes even further by relegating the defining events of that life mostly to between-scenes interludes.

— david rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Mary Page Marlowe': Theater Review," 13 July 2018
But Libra’s rep for harmonious ballroom interludes belies the hard work of reality checking our concepts of justice and alignment.

— bess matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes July 16-22," 13 July 2018
Crowds by the hundreds flock to each ISC lawn performance at Griffith Park’s Old Zoo site to delight in freewheeling antics, charming improv and engaging musical interludes combined with a rigorously literate handling of the text.

— philip brandes, latimes.com, "The 99 Seat Beat: 'Big Fish' at the Chance in Anaheim, free Shakespeare in Griffith Park," 6 July 2018
At interludes, break-dancers, Vietnamese singers and traditional hat dancers took over the stage.

— sarah espedido, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Miss Vietnam Florida 2018:," 3 Apr. 2018
The aji comes around again, providing a crisp, savory interlude.

— dominic armato, azcentral, "No-frills Sushi Nakano one of the best casual sushi restaurants in Phoenix," 10 July 2018
In 2001, Mullin retired, after a one-year reunion with the Warriors that followed a three-season interlude in Indiana.

— greg bishop, SI.com, "Run TMC Lives on as the Rare Team Celebrated for Style Rather Than Record," 28 June 2018
Ronald Reagan brought his California movie-star wattage and conservative duende, and, like that, after a four-year interlude from the Nixonian nadir, the Republican party was seemingly resurrected and would run the table for the next 12 years.

— michael paterniti, GQ, "Jimmy Carter for Higher Office," 26 June 2018
Because besides his comments, which were only a terse interlude before the actor launched into his prewritten introduction of Bruce Springsteen, De Niro didn’t say anything at all.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "Robert De Niro’s Toothless Protest," 11 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interlude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of interlude

Middle English enterlude, from Medieval Latin interludium, from Latin inter- + ludus play — more at ludicrous

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

interlude Synonyms

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, refrain, riff, segue

INTERLUDE Defined for English Language Learners

interlude

noun

Definition of interlude for English Language Learners

: a period of time between events or activities
: a brief romantic or sexual meeting or relationship
: a short piece of music that is played between the parts of a longer one, a drama, or a religious service