interval

noun

in·​ter·​val ˈin-tər-vəl How to pronounce interval (audio)
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
intervallic adjective

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 With this technique, people inhale, hold their breath, exhale, and hold breath again for equal intervals, such as three or four seconds, repeating the cycle for several minutes. Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 Federico Gatti also put wide after great work from Andrea Cambiaso as a determined Lazio side managed to get to the half time interval with the game still scoreless. Adam Digby, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 For safety, only keep the cold compress on the affected area for short intervals. Cristina Mutchler, Health, 3 Oct. 2024 Some people do four-minute on/off intervals, and others don't time themselves at all, but instead let landmarks be their guide. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interval 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interval.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English intervalle, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French entreval, from Latin intervallum space between ramparts, interval, from inter- + vallum rampart — more at wall

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of interval was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near interval

Cite this Entry

“Interval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interval. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

interval

noun
in·​ter·​val ˈint-ər-vəl How to pronounce interval (audio)
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 How to pronounce interval (audio)
: a space of time between events or states
intervals between pregnancies

More from Merriam-Webster on interval

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