intersperse

verb

in·​ter·​sperse ˌin-tər-ˈspərs 

interspersed; interspersing

transitive verb

1

: to insert at intervals among other things

interspersing drawings throughout the text

2

: to place something at intervals in or among

intersperse a book with pictures

interspersion

ˌin-tər-ˈspər-zhən 

-shən

noun

Did you know?

Intersperse comes from Latin interspersus, a combination of the prefix inter- ("between or among") and sparsus, the past participle of spargere, meaning "to scatter." Sparsus is also the source of sparse.

Synonyms of intersperse

• weave
• combine
• insert
• mix
• incorporate
• salt
• thread

Examples of intersperse in a Sentence

You should intersperse these pictures evenly throughout the book.

Some seagulls were interspersed among the ducks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Although the first stretch and Mirren’s presence might lead you to expect a character study, the film soon moves into the other storylines, interspersed with Edward’s visit to the author. — Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

Abraham and Szor intersperse these chilling testimonies with shots from the rooftops of the Tel Aviv skyline at night. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Bechtler curator Katia Zavistovski collaborated with South Korean native and contemporary artist Jiha Moon to organize a show drawn from the museum’s collection and interspersed with Moon’s own works. — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

Myers spoke vaguely about winning and losing, while interspersing clips of Ultimate Fighting Championship interviews with fighters after matches. — Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin interspersus interspersed, from inter- + sparsus, past participle of spargere to scatter — more at spark

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for intersperse

• reimburse
• universe
• adverse
• averse
• coerce
• disburse
• disperse
• diverse
• immerse
• inverse
• obverse
• perverse

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Kids Definition

intersperse

verb

in·​ter·​sperse ˌint-ər-ˈspərs 

interspersed; interspersing

1

: to set here and there among other things

intersperse pictures in a book

2

: to vary with things inserted here and there

interspersed the photo album with her poetry

interspersion

-ˈspər-zhən 

noun