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

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• pause
• gap

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

Djokovic’s shots were not quite on-target early and, but for a brief interlude in the second set, his usual verve was not present. —Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

During these floaty interludes, the team tested manual CPR and three types of automatic chest compression devices. —New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025

Man, between this home birth and Henry’s PTSD interlude in Episode 4, that footboard has seen some things. —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 5 Sep. 2025

Ann and her acolytes journey to America to find more followers—a portion of the tale that feels more adrift but then finds its footing, largely thanks to another musical interlude. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2025

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