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

• bisect
• cross
• cut

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

Intertwined with vivid descriptions of the horrific collateral damage in the city itself are intersecting narratives that remind us how persistently the dramas of daily life can exist even when the world is in flames. —Alida Becker, New York Times, 30 May 2025

The dispute raises critical questions about community governance limits when personal tributes intersect with aesthetic regulations. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025

Climate Conundrum The sheer scale of manufacturing, operating, and eventually decommissioning millions of humanoid robots will also inevitably intersect with the Climate Conundrum. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

Their paths intersect because Simone is Michaela’s personal assistant. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 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