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

The junior midfielder capitalized on his opportunity, potting a goal to cut the Hawks’ deficit to 4-1 at intermission. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026

At first, the way Gray has structured his two-hour play (there’s a ten minute intermission between the two-act play) between eras – 1930, 1965, 2008 – may seem disorienting. —Amy Reyes, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026

During the first intermission, the coach must have said something to pump the Hawks up the rest of the way. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

The Sharks had a two-goal lead over the Chicago Blackhawks late in the second period when Askarov allowed a soft goal to defenseman Sam Rinzel with 30 seconds before intermission. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 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