interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈin-tər-ˌlüd 

1

: an intervening or interruptive period, space, or event : interval

2

: a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer composition, a drama, or a religious service

3

: a usually short simple play or dramatic entertainment

Synonyms

• discontinuity
• gap
• hiatus
• hiccup
• hiccough
• interim
• intermission
• interregnum
• interruption
• interstice
• interval
• parenthesis

Examples of interlude in a Sentence

She left for a brief interlude.

He has resumed his acting career after a two-year interlude.

They always met in the city for their romantic interludes.

a drama with musical interludes

Recent Examples on the Web

Along the way, there was an over-the-top, head-scratching marching band interlude and a bloody brawl. —Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025

This straightforward plot is often broken up by poetic interludes, made up of languid shots of a changing cityscape. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025

So, yes, a refreshing interlude Wednesday night at the start of this four-game homestand. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025

An artist and activist The Super Bowl halftime show has long been more than just a musical interlude. —Christina L. Myers, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enterlude, from Medieval Latin interludium, from Latin inter- + ludus play — more at ludicrous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for interlude

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interviewed

Kids Definition

interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈint-ər-ˌlüd 

1

: a performance between the acts of a play

2

: an intervening period, space, or event : interval

3

: a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer one, a drama, or a religious service