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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Add skipping intervals to your runs or walks: To add some variety during a walk or run, incorporate a few skipping intervals. The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025 Borrowers are on the hook for interest payments, either at periodic intervals (usually every six months), or at the end of the agreement, when they are required to repay the obligation in full. Jennifer Morris, Mercury News, 21 Apr. 2025 Continue microwaving and stirring in 10-second intervals until gelatin is dissolved. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2025 Ask a partner or loved one to assist you with making and attending follow-up medical appointments and monitoring appointments, such as interval PSA blood draws and imaging tests to check for new or worsening metastasis. Matthew Wosnitzer, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for interval

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interval. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!