interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈin-tər-ˌlüd How to pronounce interlude (audio)
1
: an intervening or interruptive period, space, or event : interval
2
: a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer composition, a drama, or a religious service
3
: a usually short simple play or dramatic entertainment

Examples of interlude in a Sentence

She left for a brief interlude. He has resumed his acting career after a two-year interlude. They always met in the city for their romantic interludes. a drama with musical interludes
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.
After an interlude, two juveniles came prancing down the vines, hopping along to alight on the parkia. Jessica Camille Aguirre, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025 The band—an Indian quintet blending psychedelic rock, jazzy interludes, and soulful ballads—worked their wonders and magic, their performance and energy a complement to the city’s buzz, sparkling street lights after dark, and iconic, storied music scene. Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2024 Amplifying the sporting atmosphere are brief interludes during which the screens turn to squint-inducing flashes of orange and blue soundtracked by moody disruptions of electronic sound. Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Dec. 2024 Though that particular performance took a turn for Fallon, the late night host managed to survive his encounters with the Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, and more, as other stars joined him for their own musical interludes. Shania Russell, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for interlude 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English enterlude, from Medieval Latin interludium, from Latin inter- + ludus play — more at ludicrous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

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

Dictionary Entries Near interlude

Cite this Entry

“Interlude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interlude. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

interlude

noun
in·​ter·​lude ˈint-ər-ˌlüd How to pronounce interlude (audio)
1
: a performance between the acts of a play
2
: an intervening period, space, or event : interval
3
: a musical composition inserted between the parts of a longer one, a drama, or a religious service

More from Merriam-Webster on interlude

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