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

The EPs build upon that song, fully celebrating themes of family, love and emotional struggle, wrapping it in sounds intersecting modern country and Latin music. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2025

The sandal plays with width and asymmetry, showcasing a thicker horizontal strap across the foot and two thinner straps intersecting at the big toe, making for an off-center design. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

How has intersecting those two disciplines (acting and music) been like when creating the album’s concept? —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2025

While heavily into the world of politics, their business and personal lives intersected with Hollywood across multiple generations. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 Oct. 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