intermission

noun

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

Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission. an awkward intermission between speeches
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Brad Marchand had a little pick-me-up during the second intermission of the Florida Panthers’ 6-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final on Saturday. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 May 2025 Will the two resume Gustavsson and Fleury’s tradition of coming up with animals, fruits, etc., from letters A-Z during timeouts and intermissions? Joe Smith, New York Times, 22 May 2025 The concert will feature two sets of about 50 minutes each, plus a 15-minute intermission. Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025 But the teams went to the locker room at the second intermission in a scoreless tie. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for intermission

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intermission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermission. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
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 How to pronounce intermission (audio)
: the space of time between two paroxysms of a disease compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, remission

More from Merriam-Webster on intermission

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