intersperse

verb

in·​ter·​sperse ˌin-tər-ˈspərs How to pronounce intersperse (audio)
interspersed; interspersing

transitive verb

1
: to insert at intervals among other things
interspersing drawings throughout the text
2
: to place something at intervals in or among
intersperse a book with pictures
interspersion noun

Did you know?

Intersperse comes from Latin interspersus, a combination of the prefix inter- ("between or among") and sparsus, the past participle of spargere, meaning "to scatter." Sparsus is also the source of sparse.

Examples of intersperse in a Sentence

You should intersperse these pictures evenly throughout the book. Some seagulls were interspersed among the ducks.
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.
The itinerary for the month includes programming on regulation, interoperability and artificial intelligence, interspersed with hackathons and wellness and recreational events designed to build community in a way that a typical conference or hackathon cannot. Aaron Stanley, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 This was no average Shakespeare adaptation, however—its narrative was difficult to follow, and the Shakespearian English was interspersed with French-language rap and wolf-like howling. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Mar. 2025 The fiberglass-composite Rover 02 looks even more rugged than the original thanks largely to an earthier paint scheme that loses the neon green slashes and intersperses more dark neutrals. New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2025 Another version was soft and supple — the result of the skin being bonded over foam — with hardware details interspersed throughout. Layla Ilchi, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intersperse

Word History

Etymology

Latin interspersus interspersed, from inter- + sparsus, past participle of spargere to scatter — more at spark

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersperse was in 1566

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Cite this Entry

“Intersperse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersperse. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

intersperse

verb
in·​ter·​sperse ˌint-ər-ˈspərs How to pronounce intersperse (audio)
interspersed; interspersing
1
: to set here and there among other things
intersperse pictures in a book
2
: to vary with things inserted here and there
interspersed the photo album with her poetry
interspersion noun

More from Merriam-Webster on intersperse

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