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intermission

noun
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in·​ter·​mis·​sion | \ ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce intermission (audio) \

Definition of intermission

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
Other Words from intermission Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about intermission

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Other Words from intermission

intermissionless adjective

Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission. an awkward intermission between speeches
Recent Examples on the Web After an intermission at the Tejano nightclub, Selena did a disco medley. — Elaine Ayala, ExpressNews.com, "Ayala: At the intersection of race and ethnicity, Selena class at UTSA will explore identity," 11 June 2020 Khudobin makes an initial save and then dives to his left to glove a rebound chance by Teravainen that would have given the Hurricanes a one-goal lead at the first intermission. — Matthew Defranks, Dallas News, "‘They make my job easy’: Breaking down the brilliance of Ben Bishop and Anton Khudobin," 7 June 2020 Moeller's defense forced nine turnovers and gave up just one offensive rebound through the first two quarters to take a 28-10 lead going into the intermission. — Shelby Dermer, Cincinnati.com, "Moeller basketball books regional final berth with 54-42 victory over Centerville," 12 Mar. 2020 The Sharks scored in the final 11 seconds to take a 1-1 tie into the first intermission. — Ross Mckeon, SFChronicle.com, "Chris Tierney helps Senators beat his old team with overtime goal against Sharks," 7 Mar. 2020 But after Roy hit the pair Davis hit all three of his, sending the Titans into intermission with a commanding 55-38 lead. — Todd Rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Detroit Mercy 90, UW-Milwaukee 84: The Panthers' comeback ends in frustration," 16 Jan. 2020 Tom Allen’s clock management at the very end of the half left something to be desired, but the Hoosiers spent almost an entire half on their heels and then threw the last punch going into the intermission. — Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star, "IU lets fourth-quarter lead slip away, falls to Tennessee in Gator Bowl heartbreaker," 3 Jan. 2020 Despite struggling to the tune of just 22 first-half points, Indiana stayed within sight of the Buckeyes by limiting the Big Ten’s best 3-point shooting team in conference play to just three triples before intermission. — Zach Osterman, Indianapolis Star, "Archie Miller on IU's potholed season: 'We're going to have to change paths.'," 1 Feb. 2020 The Avs dominated play the rest of the period but failed to double their lead before the first intermission. — Mike Chambers, The Denver Post, "Avs extend points streak to eight games with win over Philly," 11 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intermission.' 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 intermission

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for intermission

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

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Time Traveler for intermission

Time Traveler

The first known use of intermission was in the 15th century

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Statistics for intermission

Last Updated

17 Jun 2020

Cite this Entry

“Intermission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermission. Accessed 5 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for intermission

intermission

noun
How to pronounce intermission (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of intermission

: a short break between the parts of a performance (such as a play, movie, or concert)

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

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion | \ ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce intermission (audio) \

Kids Definition of intermission

: a pause or short break (as between acts of a play)

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion | \ ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce intermission (audio) \

Medical Definition of intermission

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on intermission

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intermission

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with intermission

Spanish Central: Translation of intermission

Nglish: Translation of intermission for Spanish Speakers

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