interval

noun

in·ter·val | \ ˈin-tər-vəl

Definition of interval

1a : a space of time between events or states

b British : intermission

2a : a space between objects, units, points, or states

b : the difference in pitch between two tones

3 : a set of real numbers between two numbers either including or excluding one or both of them

4 : one of a series of fast-paced exercises interspersed with slower ones or brief rests for training (as of an athlete)

Other Words from interval Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about interval

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Examples of interval in a Sentence

a three-month interval between jobs There might be long intervals during which nothing happens. The sun shone for brief intervals throughout the day. There will be a 20-minute interval between acts one and two.

Recent Examples on the Web

Piano’s design is slender but strong, with a steel span that’s supported by thick columns that anchor into the ground at regular intervals. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Renzo Piano reveals design to replace collapsed Genoa bridge," 21 Dec. 2018 And then Elliott went back to his hotel and spent the interval until his early-morning flight catching up with the Internet’s reaction. — Sam Schube, GQ, "John Elliott Designed a Brand-New Sneaker for LeBron James," 23 May 2018 During the 60-second interval in which graduates were encouraged to let loose, one young man didn’t let his long gown keep him from executing the splits in the aisle. — Mary Carole Mccauley, baltimoresun.com, "Stedman Graham — educator, entrepreneur and Oprah's beau — delivers commencement at Coppin," 19 May 2018 The driver must use the throttle with precision, steer accurately and shift at the correct intervals to record a good elapsed time and top speed. — Paul Stenquist, New York Times, "Virtual Reality Is Carmakers’ Latest Selling Tool, at Shows and in Showrooms," 29 Mar. 2018 By the third interval, Goggia was fifth fastest in the field. — Bill Pennington, Anchorage Daily News, "Lindsey Vonn settles for bronze in Olympic downhill," 21 Feb. 2018 Just follow the work-to-rest intervals as indicated. — Redbook, "Wedding Dress Challenge Phase 2: Week 1 Workouts," 1 Apr. 2012 Temblors have rattled the Big Island at regular intervals over the past several days - including 18 between 6 p.m. Sunday and midnight local time; another struck early Monday. — Amy B Wang, chicagotribune.com, "'This is heartbreaking': Lava burns more homes on Hawaii's Big Island as new fissures form," 7 May 2018 A 4000 miles/four months interval is good practice. — Paul Weissler, Popular Mechanics, "How to Pick the Right Motor Oil for Your Car," 14 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'interval.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.