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

After forcing the Chargers to punt with 41 seconds left before intermission, Maye scrambled on second down to the Los Angeles 17-yard line. —Matt Schooley, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026

From there, the Heat moved to a 59-54 lead at the intermission. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026

The Aztecs led 36-21 at intermission and quickly grew the margin to 29 behind a screen and roll layup, a dunk and a 3-pointer by Gwath. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026

One of the wildest fights of the hockey season may have occurred during the intermission of an American Hockey League game between the Hershey Bears and the Cleveland Monsters. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 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