interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈin-tər-ˌlüd 

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

Synonyms of interlude

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• pause
• gap
• intermission

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

Some of these interludes of creative clash are funny, but the joke runs dry fairly quickly. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026

Some good old-fashioned screen time, and maybe living vicariously through film and TV characters stealing away to a cottage for a romantic interlude. —Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 16 Jan. 2026

After a brief interlude outside for community members to reconnect, the pews filled up again. —Camelia Heins, Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026

The dual album nature of the tour – along with Grande's recent acting interlude – creates seemingly endless set list options. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for interlude

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interviewed

Kids Definition

interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈint-ər-ˌlüd 

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