intersperse

verb

in·​ter·​sperse ˌin-tər-ˈspərs How to pronounce intersperse (audio)
interspersed; interspersing
Synonyms of interspersenext

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.
Each of the quotes interspersed throughout Alba's photo gallery featured themes of self-love, mindfulness, and rejuvenation. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 21 May 2026 The performance will be interspersed with historical facts and anecdotes about the music. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 As in Kourliandski’s quartet, specks and splatters of sound are interspersed with silences. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 The video interspersed clips from the postdebate exchange with footage from earlier debates and campaign videos, including moments in which Girvan criticized ethics issues and questioned Gaspar’s political ties to Lee. Teresa Liu, Daily News, 14 May 2026 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 30 May. 2026.

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

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