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

• 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

Urban is no stranger to the honor, having hit the stage in 2021 and 2019 to perform the national anthem and at the intermission for Predators games. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

Light snacks such as nachos, popcorn and lemonade, water, beer and wine will be sold before the concert and during intermission. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025

During Game 3 of the conference final against the Hurricanes, a Sportsnet camera caught Marchand eating something off a spoon during the second intermission. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025

Lily Rodgers, Molly Trahan and Abby Shanahan each found twine in the waning minutes of the second quarter, as the Rockets cut it to a 6-4 game at intermission. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 14 June 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