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

• discontinuity
• gap
• hiatus
• hiccup
• hiccough
• interim
• interlude
• interregnum
• interruption
• interstice
• interval
• parenthesis

Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission.

an awkward intermission between speeches

Recent Examples on the Web

Inconsistent as their penalty kill has been this season, the Ducks stood tall to retain their momentum and carry an edge into the first intermission. —Josh Gross, Oc Register, 2 Apr. 2025

At intermission, their GM came on and talked to the studio crew for about 15 minutes just answering questions like a normal human being. —Peter Baugh, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025

Leading by as many as 19 points before the break, the advantage was trimmed to 8 by intermission. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Apr. 2025

Running time is two hours and 35 minutes, which includes a 15-minute intermission. —Phil Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2025

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