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

Sea bass crudo is a refreshing start, the succulent slices of fish interspersed with fresh mango and bits of teardrop pepper. — Connie Ogle july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

The 62-year-old Payton’s mind rarely works linearly, his thoughts akin to a script from a Christopher Nolan movie, interspersed with flashbacks. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 30 July 2026

For a memorable performance in 2003, Carnegie placed part of the audience on the stage and interspersed the rest with the musicians on a platform erected above the orchestra seats. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026

The garland-style crown features diamonds shaped into tulips and stars, interspersed with continuous running scrolls, and was originally gifted to Diana’s grandmother, Lady Cynthia Hamilton, on her wedding day in 1919. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 29 July 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