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

Before and after intermission at its annual meeting, a couple Epic staffers announce a list of new customers (and which EHR that health system switched from). — Brittany Trang, STAT, 19 Aug. 2026

Bonner had 14 points by halftime, and the Mercury took a 42-36 lead into intermission. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026

The home team dominated the first half with 12 shots to two for Miami, and five shots on goal to just one, but the score was knotted 1-1 at intermission. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026

Bonner had 14 points by halftime and the Mercury took a 42-36 lead into intermission. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 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