intersect

verb

in·​ter·​sect ˌin-tər-ˈsekt 

intersected; intersecting; intersects

transitive verb

: to pierce or divide by passing through or across : cross

a comet intersecting earth's orbit

one line intersects another

intransitive verb

1

: to meet and cross at a point

lines intersecting at right angles

2

: to share a common area : overlap

where morality and self-interest intersect

Synonyms of intersect

• cross

Examples of intersect in a Sentence

A dry stream bed intersects the trail in several places.

Line A intersects with line B.

The two roads intersect at the edge of town.

Recent Examples on the Web

Charlie Gardiner - Far Afield Once again blurring the boundaries between illustration and fashion, British menswear label Far Afield’s most recent collaboration celebrates the creative possibilities that emerge when disciplines intersect. — Roddy Clarke, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

For example, Weiss said, collecting scat along roads and trails does intersect with where wolves like to travel. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

According to Hisham el-Leithy, secretary general of the SCA, the city was built around wide north-south roads intersected by east-west streets, creating open public spaces. — Anne Doran For Artnews, Robb Report, 7 July 2026

According to Hisham el-Leithy, secretary general of the SCA, the city was built around wide north-south roads intersected by east-west streets, creating open public spaces. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin intersectus, past participle of intersecare, from inter- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for intersect

• architect
• circumspect
• deselect
• dialect
• disconnect
• disinfect
• disrespect
• incorrect
• indirect
• intellect
• interject
• pluperfect

Kids Definition

intersect

verb

in·​ter·​sect ˌint-ər-ˈsekt 

1

: to divide by passing through or across : cross

one line intersecting another

2

: to meet and cross at one or more points

overlapping circles intersect at two points