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.
Following listening to Kardashian’s testimony for more than two hours, the proceedings have been paused for a brief intermission. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 13 May 2025 By the second intermission, the Hurricanes had a 2-0 lead and a 43-27 overall edge in five-on-five shot attempts. Sean Gentille, New York Times, 11 May 2025 First period thoughts The game is tied after 20 minutes and while Florida probably would have liked to have gone into intermission with a lead, the Panthers have to be pleased with their first period compared to Game 1. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 Expect lots of crooning as well as apple strudel from Fort Lauderdale’s Old Heidelberg restaurant at intermission. Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 7 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 23 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

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