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

• interlace
• interweave
• lace
• salt
• thread
• weave
• wreathe

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

Watch on Deadline The story of Robles’ life is told in linear fashion, interspersed with the almost insurmountable problems his stepfather causes for him. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2024

The match was characterized by short points featuring overwhelming serves interspersed between long, arduous rallies from the baseline. —Sam Joseph, CNN, 4 Sep. 2024

In West's 823-page nominating petition in Wisconsin, signatures collected by the employees of the Republican firm are interspersed with other signatures seemingly gathered by West supporters. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024

Their time on the stadium run will be interspersed with headlining performances from the quartet. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2024

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

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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