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intermezzo

noun
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in·​ter·​mez·​zo | \ ˌin-tər-ˈmet-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce intermezzo (audio) , -ˈmed-(ˌ)zō How to pronounce intermezzo (audio) \
plural intermezzi\ ˌin-​tər-​ˈmet-​(ˌ)sē How to pronounce intermezzi (audio) , -​ˈmed-​(ˌ)zē \ or intermezzos

Definition of intermezzo

1 : a short light entr'acte
2a : a movement coming between the major sections of an extended musical work (such as an opera)
b : a short independent instrumental composition
3 : a usually brief interlude or diversion

Examples of intermezzo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cliff's Edge is offering a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $75 per person, with an additional oyster amuse and granita intermezzo. — Julie Giuffrida, latimes.com, "Where to eat out for Valentine's Day dinner," 5 Feb. 2018 After a refreshing tomato fennel sorbet intermezzo, diners cut into a rack of veal with porcini mushrooms, butternut squash tart, and wilted kale. — Amber Elliott, Houston Chronicle, "The show must go on: Houston Symphony's annual Wine Dinner and Collector's Auction restores order," 29 Jan. 2018 The amuse-bouche and intermezzo will be compliments of the house. — Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, "Gather restaurant near Eastern Market brings in visiting chefs for winter series," 10 Jan. 2018 Lineup: Adami Prosecco NV, Inama Soave 2014, Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2015, Scaia Rose 2015, Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2013, intermezzo with Campari, Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo 2013, Cleto Chiarli Cialdini Lambrusco NV. — Marc Bona, cleveland.com, "Wine calendar: Dante Next Door's Sake dinner, Fine Wine & Tobacco holds high-end tasting, H2 hosts Mac McDonald, more," 16 May 2017

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

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First Known Use of intermezzo

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for intermezzo

Italian, ultimately from Latin intermedius intermediate

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Time Traveler for intermezzo

The first known use of intermezzo was in 1771

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More Definitions for intermezzo

intermezzo

noun
How to pronounce intermezzo (audio) How to pronounce intermezzo (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of intermezzo

: a short part of a musical work (such as an opera) that connects major sections of the work

See the full definition for intermezzo in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on intermezzo

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intermezzo

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