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

The show will now be about 90 minutes, including intermission, shorter than the traditional revues. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026

Junior winger Gabe Kolodjay fed a perfect pass to Regan in transition, and the forward fired a bullet into the cage with 10 seconds remaining as the Cardinals took a commanding 3-0 advantage into intermission. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026

During the intermission, another audience member complained about the disruptive group to house management. —Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Jamari Milton took over for the Panthers in the second half with 14 of her game-high 20 points coming after the intermission. —Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 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