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 of intermission

• 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

Quentin Tarantino’s The Whole Bloody Affair ties together both volumes of Kill Bill into a four-and-a-half-hour experience, complete with intermission. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 22 May 2026

Because match commentators are asked to take the helm of halftime themselves, those intermissions are usually rote recitations of highlights rather than any sort of tactical breakdown that would require time away from a microphone to prepare. —Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

There is no intermission, but there’s a dance break of sorts midway through. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026

The trend continued all the way until intermission. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 May 2026

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