intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən 

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

Synonyms

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

Examples of intermission in a Sentence

We'll return after a brief intermission.

an awkward intermission between speeches

Recent Examples on the Web

Movies were paired with overtures and intermissions rather than short subjects or promotional trailers. —Cory Stillman, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025

The three-and-a-half-hour film includes a 15-minute intermission. —Fred Topel, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025

Holding a 1-0 lead at the second intermission, the Ducks then came up empty on their power play and then gave up a tying goal right after Jamie Benn’s penalty expired, 1:29 into the final frame. —Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 4 Feb. 2025

Running time: 2:45 with intermission Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 W. 45th St.) Opened July 25, 2019. —Vulture Editors, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for intermission

• abolition
• acquisition
• admonition
• ammunition
• apparition
• apposition
• coalition
• competition
• composition
• definition
• deglutition
• demolition

Kids Definition

intermission

noun

in·​ter·​mis·​sion ˌint-ər-ˈmish-ən 

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 

: the space of time between two paroxysms of a disease compare arrest, cure entry 1 sense 1, remission