intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
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

Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission. an awkward intermission between speeches
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That lead was short lived, however, as Harris, who rushed for 102 yards in the first half, scored on runs of 15 and 57 yards to stretch the lead to 27-15 at the intermission. Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2025 Jayden Fraser added a two-point rush, giving his team an 8-7 edge at intermission. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025 With an intermission, opening night ran more than three hours, so some edits seem inevitable. Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 17 Oct. 2025 Like a digital intermission clock of sorts that kept the audience abreast of what percentage of the time between sets had been used up. Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intermission

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intermyssyown, from Latin intermission-, intermissio, from intermittere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intermission was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intermission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermission. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
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 How to pronounce intermission (audio)
: the space of time between two paroxysms of a disease compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, remission

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