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

• 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

As a lifelong football fan and an 17-year spirits veteran, two of my favorite pastimes naturally intersect every NFL season. —Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Her path intersects with the police officer Amadeu, who is investigating Janalice’s disappearance. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 20 Aug. 2025

The rise of the New Wave intersected with another big change at rock clubs: The raising of the drinking age in numerous states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut, leading up to the passage of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2025

On Sunday at Trinity, Talarico didn’t address the church’s history, which has at times intersected with politics. —Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025

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