interregnum

noun

in·​ter·​reg·​num ˌin-tə-ˈreg-nəm 

plural interregnums or interregna ˌin-tə-ˈreg-nə 

1

: the time during which a throne is vacant between two successive reigns or regimes

broadly : a period during which a leadership role is vacant

a papal interregnum

2

: a period during which the normal functions of government or control are suspended

3

: a lapse or pause in a continuous series

Did you know?

Every time a pope dies, there's an interregnum period before a new one is elected by the cardinals. In most democratic systems, however, the law specifies who should take office when a president or prime minister dies unexpectedly, and since the power usually passes automatically, there's no true interregnum. The question of succession—that is, of who should take over when a country's leader dies—has often presented huge problems for countries that lacked a constitution, and in monarchies it hasn't always been clear who should become king or queen when a monarch dies. The interregnum following the death of Edward VI in 1553, for instance, was briefly suspended when Lady Jane Grey was installed as Queen; nine days later she was replaced by Mary Tudor, who sent her straight to the Tower of London.

Synonyms

• interval
• interruption
• hiatus
• gap
• interim

Examples of interregnum in a Sentence

the democratic regime proved to be a short-lived interregnum between dictatorships

Recent Examples on the Web

During a papal interregnum, all leaders of the Vatican offices cease to carry out their work aside from the camerlengo and two others. —Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025

Here’s what to know about the two Catholic leaders’ backgrounds and duties during the critical interregnum period for the Vatican. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 22 Apr. 2025

Trump spent weeks during the interregnum publicly indulging in neocolonial fantasies for his second term. —Lawrence B.a. Hatter / Made By History, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025

The interregnum is an opportune moment for analysts and policymakers to pursue novel ideas about America’s role in the world, but Lieven leaves his reader wanting. —Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from inter- + regnum reign — more at reign

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for interregnum

• regnum

Kids Definition

interregnum

noun

in·​ter·​reg·​num ˌint-ə-ˈreg-nəm 

plural interregnums or interregna -nə 

: a period between two successive reigns or regimes