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

Service pauses during the show and resumes during a 20-minute intermission for desserts, coffee, tea and drinks. —Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 6 Jan. 2026

But Gustavsson made the save and steered the puck to the corner, and the game reached the first intermission with nothing on the scoreboard. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 6 Jan. 2026

An overwhelming majority of athletes tend to eat during intermissions, Chaney said. —Sam Jane, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2026

From rant, to results — and maybe a bit less Spoelstra stress during intermissions. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 2 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