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

During intermission, Petra snuck upstairs to the backstage area and played with crafts alongside the young performers. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2026

Hansen added on one more 53 seconds later, helping the Panthers construct a 6-3 lead at intermission. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 30 Apr. 2026

The Bruins managed to keep it tight through the end of the first, with the Sabres taking that 1-0 lead into the first intermission. —Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026

As the first intermission loomed, the Kings’ Joel Edmundson clubbed Cale Makar late, and the mild-mannered defender was heated enough to chicken-wing Edmundson with a high elbow before the horn sounded. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 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