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

The combination of lowland conifers interspersed with aspen is prime winter habitat. — Tom Huggler, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

Mounds of boulder star coral, interspersed with elkhorn and staghorn, shelter Caribbean spiny lobsters and green moray eels. — Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026

Live broadcasts of the volcano’s activity show periods of complete clarity interspersed with ash emissions. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026

Despite generally dry conditions, spring rain, interspersed with periods of above-average temperatures, supported widespread growth of grasses, shrubs and other vegetation across the Northwest. — John Abatzoglou, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 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