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

The second print, a tangle of flowers intersecting with geometric stripes, adds a graphic edge. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025

Hanukkah’s first day and Christmas Day will intersect again in 2035. —Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 10 Dec. 2025

By uncovering ruins, artifacts, and burials, scientists can now reconstruct how different cultures, economies, and faiths intersected in Central Asia, while also preserving a unique underwater heritage site that had remained hidden for centuries. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2025

These services, and focusing on how policing can intersect with mental health calls, is something that Griffin says is a priority of hers. —Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 5 Dec. 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