intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən 

1

: an interval between the parts of an entertainment (such as the acts of a play)

2

: the act of intermitting : the state of being intermitted

intermissionless adjective

Synonyms

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• pause
• interlude

Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission.

an awkward intermission between speeches

Recent Examples on the Web

Haymarket’s production runs four, counting two necessary intermissions. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025

Here, Cordoba opens up to Glamour about her audition process, intermission snack breaks, and singing and dancing on stage in her undies, even while on her period. —Caitlin Brody, Glamour, 23 June 2025

The Thunder entered intermission with 12 giveaways. —Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

Florida quickly jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two power play goals from Matthew Tkachuk and an Anton Lundell goal 41 seconds before the first intermission. —Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 13 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intermyssyown, from Latin intermission-, intermissio, from intermittere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for intermission

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən 

1

: pause entry 1 sense 1, interruption

work without intermission

2

: a pause or interval between the parts of an entertainment (as the acts of a play)

Medical Definition

intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən 

: the space of time between two paroxysms of a disease compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, remission