interruption

noun

in·​ter·​rup·​tion ˌin-tə-ˈrəp-shən How to pronounce interruption (audio)
plural interruptions
1
: an act of interrupting something or someone or the state of being interrupted: such as
a
: a stoppage or hindering of an activity for a time
Our conversation continued without interruption for over an hour.
b
: a break in the continuity of something
Internet service interruptions
2
: something that causes a stoppage or break in the continuity of something
a rude interruption
watching television without commercial interruptions

Examples of interruption in a Sentence

an interruption in cable service during the lightning storm a brief interruption in the discussion while we all got coffee
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.
But phone calls, spam and constant interruptions get in the way. Minna Hu, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Usually lawmakers have around five minutes to offer their remarks without interruption. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 The explicit calls for violence against Jews, broadcast live by the BBC without interruption, literally gave hate a stage, a microphone, and the stamp of legitimacy of one of Britain’s most respected public institutions. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 June 2025 Actual net worth can vary significantly due to factors such as debt levels, regional cost of living, career interruptions, investment returns and household dynamics. Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for interruption

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Interruption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interruption. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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