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

Norwell punched back just nine seconds later, as Panttila sniped his second goal to cut it to a 6-5 game at intermission. — Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026

Even the intermission’s performance by the Wu-Tang Clan could not get New Yorkers out of their funk. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026

After a quick review, it was determined that the clock hit zero before the puck crossed the goal line, restoring a 3-1 lead for Carolina heading into intermission. — Michael Russo, New York Times, 12 June 2026

Later, another member of the band, saxophonist Dino Soldo, walked on stage and told the audience that Richie would not return after an unexpected intermission. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 25 June 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