intersperse
verb
in·ter·sperse
ˌin-tər-ˈspərs 
interspersed; interspersing
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
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
The final touch, though, was interspersing Robert’s memories into his joyous, climactic plane ride.
—
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2026
The opposite wall of the store features long shelves with Glassman’s collection of vintage glass, decorative dishes and bowls, interspersed with new merchandise.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026
For year-round color, intersperse small bulbs like crocuses, snowdrops, and mini irises.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
This period isn’t bereft of opportunity, but it’s interspersed with learning experiences at the hands of people who still haven’t done any self-mastery work.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intersperse
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Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2026
The opposite wall of the store features long shelves with Glassman’s collection of vintage glass, decorative dishes and bowls, interspersed with new merchandise.
—Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2026
For year-round color, intersperse small bulbs like crocuses, snowdrops, and mini irises.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 31 Jan. 2026
This period isn’t bereft of opportunity, but it’s interspersed with learning experiences at the hands of people who still haven’t done any self-mastery work.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for intersperse
Cite this Entry
“Intersperse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersperse. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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