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

Together, experts paint a picture of a sector where formal investment risks intersecting with criminal governance, armed violence and illicit supply chains. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026

The incident also underscores how ties to Atlanta's music industry continue to intersect with South Florida - a frequent destination for performances, events, and nightlife. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026

The block is near where Quebec intersects with Interstate 70. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2026

The most precise atomic clocks trap atoms in an optical lattice, a pattern of light and dark formed by intersecting lasers. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 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