intersection

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈsek-shən How to pronounce intersection (audio)
 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

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.
Police said Workman-Duffy had been crossing in a crosswalk on a green light at the intersection of Longview Road and Food Lane on the morning she was hit. Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025 Work Ties Álvarez’s job put her at the intersection of several players in the complex story. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 Big Pete is near the intersection of River District Drive and Crescent River Road. Khadejeh Nikouyeh, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025 Runners will finish near the intersection of Washington Street and Capitol Avenue. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 7 Nov. 2025 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 10 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on intersection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!