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

Cameron Brink tied her season high with 16 points, 14 in the first half, including a three-pointer with 17 seconds left to give the Sparks (4-3) a 42-37 lead at the intermission. —Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

The Legacy controlled 56% of the match’s possession prior to intermission, putting two of eight shots on goal. —Jeff Rosen, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026

Following a brief intermission, Simon then launches into the second portion of the evening, which is filled with greatest hits and other fan favorites from both Simon’s solo catalog and his work with Art Garfunkel. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 28 May 2026

Floyd said the two-hour show with an intermission is appropriate for all ages. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 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