intermezzo

noun

in·​ter·​mez·​zo ˌin-tər-ˈmet-(ˌ)sō How to pronounce intermezzo (audio) -ˈmed-(ˌ)zō How to pronounce intermezzo (audio)
plural intermezzi ˌin-tər-ˈmet-(ˌ)sē How to pronounce intermezzo (audio)
-ˈmed-(ˌ)zē
or intermezzos
1
: a short light entr'acte
2
a
: a movement coming between the major sections of an extended musical work (such as an opera)
b
: a short independent instrumental composition
3
: a usually brief interlude or diversion

Examples of intermezzo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
At this point the spotlight shifts to Evil Tracy and Razor Ramon, who, in North Philly shirts, display their considerable turntable skills, delighting the audience in a 10-minute intermezzo. Jeffrey Gantz, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Jan. 2023 The Nigun Quartet will be joined for an intermezzo by Berlin cantor Isidoro Abramowicz. Jns Staff Report, Sun Sentinel, 28 Sep. 2022 An intermezzo of peach sorbetto and Chartreuse gelee will be served before steer tenderloin with foie gras, new potatoes and snap peas, and the dessert of chocolate and vanilla eclairs. Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2022 The day includes a Bloody Mary bar, private tee times, a golf intermezzo and a post-golf massage. Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2021 The intermezzo will be a citrus granite with pomegranate syrup and blueberries. Rod Stafford Hagwood, sun-sentinel.com, 17 Sep. 2019 Nagano’s exquisitely detailed account of elegiac middle movement, the throaty low strings of the intermezzo and the rush of energy that drove the last movement represented the concert’s high point, at least so far as the orchestra was concerned. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 16 Oct. 2019 Cliff's Edge is offering a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $75 per person, with an additional oyster amuse and granita intermezzo. Julie Giuffrida, latimes.com, 5 Feb. 2018 After a refreshing tomato fennel sorbet intermezzo, diners cut into a rack of veal with porcini mushrooms, butternut squash tart, and wilted kale. Amber Elliott, Houston Chronicle, 29 Jan. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Italian, ultimately from Latin intermedius intermediate

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of intermezzo was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near intermezzo

Cite this Entry

“Intermezzo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intermezzo. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

intermezzo

noun
in·​ter·​mez·​zo ˌint-ər-ˈmets-ō How to pronounce intermezzo (audio) -ˈmedz-ō How to pronounce intermezzo (audio)
plural intermezzi -ē How to pronounce intermezzo (audio) or intermezzos
1
: a short light piece between the acts of a serious drama or opera
2
a
: a short movement connecting parts of a longer musical work
b
: a short independent instrumental composition

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