intermezzo
noun
in·ter·mez·zo
ˌin-tər-ˈmet-(ˌ)sō 
-ˈmed-(ˌ)zō
-ˈmed-(ˌ)zō
plural intermezzi
ˌin-tər-ˈmet-(ˌ)sē
-ˈmed-(ˌ)zē
or intermezzos
1
: a short light entr'acte
2
a
: 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
Photo by Karl Davies The Big Green Shed A hole-in-the-wall kind of place, if the wall is a field of wildflowers set in one of the most picturesque countrysides on earth—the perfect intermezzo to a day spent exploring.
—
Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
The end of the Cold War predictably proved an intermezzo before the United States embarked on Cold War 2.0.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025
The second intermezzo had the underlying character of a waltz, both less wistful and more playful than the first.
—Brandon Taylor, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2025
That was followed by an intermezzo passion fruit sorbet.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
At this point the spotlight shifts to Evil Tracy and Razor Ramon, who, in North Philly shirts, display their considerable turntable skills, delighting the audience in a 10-minute intermezzo.
—Jeffrey Gantz, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Jan. 2023
The Nigun Quartet will be joined for an intermezzo by Berlin cantor Isidoro Abramowicz.
—Jns Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 28 Sep. 2022
An intermezzo of peach sorbetto and Chartreuse gelee will be served before steer tenderloin with foie gras, new potatoes and snap peas, and the dessert of chocolate and vanilla eclairs.
—Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2022
The day includes a Bloody Mary bar, private tee times, a golf intermezzo and a post-golf massage.
—Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2021
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Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
The end of the Cold War predictably proved an intermezzo before the United States embarked on Cold War 2.0.
—Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2025
The second intermezzo had the underlying character of a waltz, both less wistful and more playful than the first.
—Brandon Taylor, The Atlantic, 4 Jan. 2025
That was followed by an intermezzo passion fruit sorbet.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
At this point the spotlight shifts to Evil Tracy and Razor Ramon, who, in North Philly shirts, display their considerable turntable skills, delighting the audience in a 10-minute intermezzo.
—Jeffrey Gantz, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Jan. 2023
The Nigun Quartet will be joined for an intermezzo by Berlin cantor Isidoro Abramowicz.
—Jns Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 28 Sep. 2022
An intermezzo of peach sorbetto and Chartreuse gelee will be served before steer tenderloin with foie gras, new potatoes and snap peas, and the dessert of chocolate and vanilla eclairs.
—Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2022
The day includes a Bloody Mary bar, private tee times, a golf intermezzo and a post-golf massage.
—Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Intermezzo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermezzo. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
intermezzo
noun
in·ter·mez·zo
ˌint-ər-ˈmets-ō
-ˈmedz-ō
-ˈmedz-ō
plural intermezzi
-ē
or intermezzos
or intermezzos
1
: a short light piece between the acts of a serious drama or opera
2
a
: a short movement connecting parts of a longer musical work
b
: a short independent instrumental composition
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