intersection

noun in·ter·sec·tion \ ˌin-tər-ˈsek-shən , especially in sense 2 ˈin-tər-ˌsek- \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of intersection

1 : the act or process of intersecting

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

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

See intersection defined for English-language learners

See intersection defined for kids

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 of intersection from the Web

The case points an unflattering light on the intersection between private commercial interests and the grassroots basketball world, where high school-age kids compete for the eye of college coaches and coveted scholarships.

— jeff manning, OregonLive.com, "Adidas' Jim Gatto faces more charges in college basketball scandal," 10 Apr. 2018
The dog, named Cardi P by cruelty investigators, was found along with two litter mates at the intersection of 7 Mile and Schoenerr in Detroit stuffed in a duffle bag, the station said.

— brandon patterson, Detroit Free Press, "Puppies found in duffle bag beside road, 1 with intestines hanging out," 10 Apr. 2018
Her career has been driven by a focus on the intersection of identity and human rights, with work that examines concepts of borders, nationality, and class division.

— morgan sykes, The Cut, "The Documentary Photographer of Rebels and Strippers," 28 Mar. 2018
Saba Mahmood, a professor, theorist and author from Pakistan whose work focused on the intersection of Islam and feminist theory, died on March 10 at her home in Berkeley, Calif.

— maya salam, New York Times, "Saba Mahmood, 57, Dies; Traced Intersection of Feminism and Islam," 28 Mar. 2018
The man was shot shortly before 11 p.m., near the Broadway Bar on the intersection of Broadway and Fig streets, according to NOPD.

— marie simoneaux, NOLA.com, "Man shot in the Fountainebleu area: NOPD," 25 Mar. 2018
This year, 1 million-plus people again showed up in cities all over the country to share their feelings on an intersection of social and political issues,from #MeToo and Times Up to #NotMyPresident and #BlackLivesMatter.

— San Francisco Chronicle, "Lingering thoughts from the recent Women’s March," 2 Mar. 2018
On a cold New York night, the intersection of fashion and art collided in TriBeCa for an intimate Fashion Week dinner with Brazilian flair.

— Vogue, "Vamos Festejar! Farfetch Celebrates the Osklen and Tarsila do Amaral Capsule Collection," 10 Feb. 2018
His talk at Kent State will focus on the intersection of his passion for photography and 15th and 16th century paintings.

— cleveland.com, "10 things to do in Akron and Summit Country the week of Jan. 22-28," 22 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intersection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of intersection

First Known Use of intersection

1559

intersection Synonyms

Synonyms

corner, crossing, crossroad, crossway(s), junction;

circle, rotary, traffic circle;

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

INTERSECTION Defined for English Language Learners

intersection

noun

Definition of intersection for English Language Learners

: the place or point where two or more things come together; especially : the place where two or more streets meet or cross each other
: the act or process of crossing or intersecting