intersection

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈsek-shən 

 especially in sense 1  ˈin-tər-ˌsek-

1

: a place or area where two or more things (such as streets) intersect

2

: the act or process of intersecting

3

a

: the set of elements common to two or more sets

especially : the set of points common to two geometric configurations

b

: the operation of finding the intersection of two or more sets

Illustration of intersection

• a intersection 3a

Synonyms

• junction
• corner
• crossroad
• crossing

Examples of intersection in a Sentence

The accident occurred at a busy intersection.

two possible points of intersection

the intersection of line A and line B

Recent Examples on the Web

At these intersections, pity and fear collide. —Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

Global Standards Meet American Innovation This brings us to the intersection of global standards and American innovation. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025

In June, the council had voted to put protective metal bollards around part of the roundabout, which is located at El Portal Street’s intersection with Coast Highway in Leucadia. —Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025

There’s a lot of cultural commentary in here and political commentary, and, often, the intersection of those two things, and then these revisitations. —Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for intersection

• circumspection
• disaffection
• disconnection
• disinfection
• dorsiflexion
• imperfection
• indirection
• insurrection
• intellection
• interjection
• introjection
• introspection

Kids Definition

intersection

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌint-ər-ˈsek-shən 

1

: the act or process of intersecting

2

: the place or point where two or more things and especially streets intersect

a busy intersection

3

: the set of mathematical elements shared by two or more sets

especially : the set of points shared by two geometric figures