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 of interval

• 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

Since 1972, timekeepers have added 27 positive leap seconds to UTC, at very irregular intervals. — Vahe Peroomian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

Named Maai after a Japanese term (ma-ai) relating to meaningful spacing, timing, or intervals, the 154-foot superyacht combines Japanese restraint with Italian conviviality to create an onboard environment that can be both zen and buzzy. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026

After that interval, the sun, moon and Earth return to almost the same geometry. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Salad assembly Split the heads lengthwise, then cut crosswise at approximately 1-inch intervals, creating a mix of naturally different-sized pieces. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

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