intersperse

verb

in·​ter·​sperse ˌin-tər-ˈspərs How to pronounce intersperse (audio)
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 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.

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
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 the sketch, which appeared in multiple parts interspersed throughout the episode, MacGruber plans to leak the Epstein files, but changes his tune and tries to dispose of the document after realizing his name is in it. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 Nov. 2025 The video, which is also the documentary’s final sequence, depicts shots of Idol’s life from childhood interspersed with his music career and vintage illustrations of the singer. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 2025 Shots of their sensual love story are interspersed throughout the trailer, from the pair almost holding hands and nearly kissing, all the way to tight embraces and fingers being pushed into Cathy’s mouth. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Nov. 2025 This material is interspersed with shots of her drawings and surreal animations. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intersperse

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersperse was in 1566

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Cite this Entry

“Intersperse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersperse. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

intersperse

verb
in·​ter·​sperse ˌint-ər-ˈspərs How to pronounce intersperse (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intersperse

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