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

• carrefour
• corner
• crossing
• crossroad
• crossway(s)
• junction

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

Her personal style lies at the intersection of experimental and edgy. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2024

Pictured on the right is the first phase of The Weld development, which will bring two 20-story towers at the intersection of Lake Wheeler Road and Hammell Drive. —Zachery Eanes, Axios, 16 July 2024

The New York store, which is located at the intersection of Broadway and Canal Street, takes multiple inspirations, including from high-end grocery stores like the now-defunct Dean & DeLuca, as well as from the outdoors. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 15 July 2024

When the firehouse gave a party at the intersection of East 172nd Street and Southern Boulevard, in an attempt to improve community relations, somebody pulled the fire alarm at the intersection while the party was going on. —Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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