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
McClintock’s long stints in California’s capital of Sacramento were interspersed with several unsuccessful runs for statewide office.
—
David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
Several clip packages were interspersed within the performances throughout the special.
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Even its star, Kim Kardashian, is leaning into the bizarre criticism, posting photos on Instagram of herself laughing along with the rest of the cast, interspersed with scathing reviews.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
The spot sees video of Angelou’s reading interspersed with footage of everyday Americans, and once again a few recognizable hosts, with her words serving as the soundtrack.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intersperse
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David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
Several clip packages were interspersed within the performances throughout the special.
—Jillian Sederholm, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Even its star, Kim Kardashian, is leaning into the bizarre criticism, posting photos on Instagram of herself laughing along with the rest of the cast, interspersed with scathing reviews.
—Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
The spot sees video of Angelou’s reading interspersed with footage of everyday Americans, and once again a few recognizable hosts, with her words serving as the soundtrack.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intersperse
Cite this Entry
“Intersperse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersperse. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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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