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.
So, these black holes would produce powerful jets both early and later in their lifetimes, with an interlude in the middle where the jets are either weak or nonexistent. David Garofalo, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2025 Muay Thai is more a motif, here, than a driver of action, as many subsequent boxing interludes tie together multiple storylines. Judy Berman, Time, 31 Mar. 2025 So a trade still has to be on the table, potentially for anyone and everyone, even with this brief interlude of winning. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025 Here, Gaga wears this leopard-print conductor’s hat exclusively for an interlude of solo shots with Beyoncé’s car as the two of them flee the scene of their accidental mass poisoning. Kinsey Jasnoch, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Interlude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interlude. Accessed 12 Apr. 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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