intersection

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈsek-shən How to pronounce intersection (audio)
especially in sense 1 ˈin-tər-ˌsek-
Synonyms of intersectionnext
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

Illustration of intersection
  • a intersection 3a

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In June 2025, the Fort Worth City Council approved the rezoning of 186 acres owned by PMB Capital Investments in the Veale Ranch development, near the intersection of Interstate 20 and Chapin School Road. Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026 But the intersection where Zhu was killed and Kuang was gravely injured has seen no significant changes in the eight years since the collision — except the full removal of the crosswalk. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 16 Mar. 2026 Various intersections will also receive new traffic signals and indicators for pedestrians to walk. Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 One solution, O’Hara said, could be to remove some vehicle lanes on Village Park Way — there now are three in each direction at the intersection, including turning lanes. Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intersection

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersection was in 1559

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intersection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersection. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

intersection

noun
in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌint-ər-ˈsek-shən How to pronounce intersection (audio)
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

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