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
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
Yates was withdrawn at half-time of his most recent league start, the 5-0 defeat at Bournemouth, after a less than inspiring first 45 minutes all round that could have seen Forest go in at the interval more than just a goal down.
—
Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
Melt dark chocolate chips in the microwave, heating in 15-second intervals until smooth.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 13 Feb. 2025
It’s set with 40 sapphires totaling 3.9 carats and contains the El Primero 3600 chronograph movement, which displays 1/10th of second intervals.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
The popular kids’ series Ms. Rachel also launched on Netflix during this measurement interval, debuting at No. 5 on the English TV list with 4M views, which only serves to prove that children’s entertainment continues to be a driving force on streaming.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interval
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Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
Melt dark chocolate chips in the microwave, heating in 15-second intervals until smooth.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 13 Feb. 2025
It’s set with 40 sapphires totaling 3.9 carats and contains the El Primero 3600 chronograph movement, which displays 1/10th of second intervals.
—Carol Besler, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
The popular kids’ series Ms. Rachel also launched on Netflix during this measurement interval, debuting at No. 5 on the English TV list with 4M views, which only serves to prove that children’s entertainment continues to be a driving force on streaming.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for interval
Articles Related to interval
Cite this Entry
“Interval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interval. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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