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

intervallic

ˌin-tər-ˈva-lik 

adjective

Synonyms

• interruption
• hiatus
• gap
• pause

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

By attacking both drivers simultaneously, Vabysmo has been shown to reduce retinal fluid, maintain vision, and in many cases extend the interval between treatments—a significant advantage given the burden of frequent eye injections in these patient populations. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

The Mavic 4 Pro is not available from DJI or authorized retail partners in the States, and while the Air 3S is listed on its virtual storefront, it's been out of stock continuously for a similar interval. —PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025

The Federal Reserve has kept policy on hold ever since last December, leading to a 10-month interval between rate reductions. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2025

Sarr had also headed over the crossbar from a set piece before the interval. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intervalle, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French entreval, from Latin intervallum space between ramparts, interval, from inter- + vallum rampart — more at wall

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing interval

• class interval
• confidence interval
• high-intensity interval training
• interval training

Kids 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