interval
noun
in·ter·val
ˈin-tər-vəl 
plural intervals
1
a
: a space of time between events or states
a two-month interval between medical treatments
There were long intervals during the game in which nothing exciting happened.
b
British
: intermission
There was a twenty minute interval between acts two and three.
2
: the difference in pitch between two tones
3
: a space between objects, units, points, or states
The posts were set up at regular intervals along the road.
4
: one of a series of fast-paced or intense physical exercises alternated with slower or less intense ones or brief rests for training (as of an athlete) see also interval training
5
: a set of real numbers between two numbers either including or excluding one or both of them
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
The brutal concept features two teams locked inside a giant steel cage that covers two rings, with members entering the match at staggered intervals.
—
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
After Marcel Ruiz was frustrated when his effort struck the bar following the interval, Vega eased any lingering nerves for the critical opening goal.
—Martin Rogers, New York Times, 28 June 2025
At certain intervals, the Iranian government has limited access to the mobile internet network and physical phone lines, the embassy said, adding that U.S. citizens should be prepared for internet network outages and develop alternative network connectivity and communication plans.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
For body trimming, be sure to swap in its fine-pinch trimming head, and enjoy its ability to cut 40 different lengths in half-millimeter intervals (0.5-20mm).
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for interval
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Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
After Marcel Ruiz was frustrated when his effort struck the bar following the interval, Vega eased any lingering nerves for the critical opening goal.
—Martin Rogers, New York Times, 28 June 2025
At certain intervals, the Iranian government has limited access to the mobile internet network and physical phone lines, the embassy said, adding that U.S. citizens should be prepared for internet network outages and develop alternative network connectivity and communication plans.
—Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
For body trimming, be sure to swap in its fine-pinch trimming head, and enjoy its ability to cut 40 different lengths in half-millimeter intervals (0.5-20mm).
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for interval
Cite this Entry
“Interval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interval. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interval
noun
in·ter·val
ˈint-ər-vəl
1
: a period of time between events or states : pause
a three-month interval
the interval between elections
2
: a space between things
the interval between two desks
3
: difference in pitch between tones
Medical Definition
interval
noun
in·ter·val
ˈint-ər-vəl
: a space of time between events or states
intervals between pregnancies
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