intersection

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈsek-shən 

 especially in sense 1  ˈin-tər-ˌsek-

1

: a place or area where two or more things (such as streets) intersect

2

: the act or process of intersecting

3

a

: the set of elements common to two or more sets

especially : the set of points common to two geometric configurations

b

: the operation of finding the intersection of two or more sets

Illustration of intersection

• a intersection 3a

Synonyms

• carrefour
• corner
• crossing
• crossroad
• crossway(s)
• junction

Examples of intersection in a Sentence

The accident occurred at a busy intersection.

two possible points of intersection

the intersection of line A and line B

Recent Examples on the Web

At least two-thirds of crash victims were pedestrians, bicyclists, or occupants of cars turning left at intersections without traffic signals. —David Zipper, Vox, 13 Nov. 2024

Founded in 2011 by Lisa Lawson, the company has positioned itself at the intersection of high-quality coffee production and environmental responsibility. —Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Migrants without work authorization huddled in Home Depot parking lots and stood at intersections washing windshields for tips. —Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2024

The Phoenix City Council voted Wednesday to lower speed limits at several intersections. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

intersection

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌint-ər-ˈsek-shən 

1

: the act or process of intersecting

2

: the place or point where two or more things and especially streets intersect

a busy intersection

3

: the set of mathematical elements shared by two or more sets

especially : the set of points shared by two geometric figures