intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
1
: an interval between the parts of an entertainment (such as the acts of a play)
2
: the act of intermitting : the state of being intermitted
intermissionless adjective

Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission. an awkward intermission between speeches
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Urban is no stranger to the honor, having hit the stage in 2021 and 2019 to perform the national anthem and at the intermission for Predators games. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Light snacks such as nachos, popcorn and lemonade, water, beer and wine will be sold before the concert and during intermission. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 During Game 3 of the conference final against the Hurricanes, a Sportsnet camera caught Marchand eating something off a spoon during the second intermission. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025 Lily Rodgers, Molly Trahan and Abby Shanahan each found twine in the waning minutes of the second quarter, as the Rockets cut it to a 6-4 game at intermission. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intermission

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intermyssyown, from Latin intermission-, intermissio, from intermittere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intermission was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intermission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermission. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
1
: pause entry 1 sense 1, interruption
work without intermission
2
: a pause or interval between the parts of an entertainment (as the acts of a play)

Medical Definition

intermission

noun
in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce intermission (audio)
: the space of time between two paroxysms of a disease compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, remission

More from Merriam-Webster on intermission

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