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.
First-time directors Chilnick, the doc’s writer, and Rakovskyi, who handles DP duties, take a straightforward approach, working mostly in vérité, with occasional to-the-camera interviews interspersed. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025 His video interspersed images of him walking the city with footage of immigration officials arresting people and cited his recent legislation banning federal law enforcement from masking their identities in California and greenlighting denser housing near transit hubs. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025 Marchers circled the courthouse in Lafayette where speeches interspersed with music could be heard later from a nearby park. IndyStar, 20 Oct. 2025 Several other awards were also handed out at the ceremony, which was interspersed with a concert by the Brussels Philharmonic, conducted by Dirk Brossé. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 16 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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