interlace

verb

in·​ter·​lace ˌin-tər-ˈlās 

interlaced; interlacing; interlaces

transitive verb

1

: to unite by or as if by lacing together : interweave

2

: to vary by alternation or intermixture : intersperse

narrative interlaced with anecdotes

intransitive verb

: to cross one another as if woven together : intertwine

interlacement

ˌin-tər-ˈlās-mənt 

noun

Synonyms

• enlace
• entwine
• implicate [archaic]
• intertwine
• intertwist
• interweave
• inweave
• lace
• ply
• twist
• weave
• wreathe
• writhe

Examples of interlace in a Sentence

Interlace the branches and bend them into a circle.

The vines interlaced with each other.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Ultimate Bespoke Manuscript In The Miscellany of Iskandar Sultan, sections of text stack on top of one another, interlaced like fretwork. —JSTOR Daily, 24 June 2024

Semira is adept at knowing when to interlace perfect concert call-and-response moments into their rhymes. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2024

Today, Iran’s leaders interlace their expressions of fidelity to Islamic ideals with long-standing nationalist myths. —Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018

Watkins’ essay grapples with alcohol’s grip on so many facets of our lives: the way it is interlaced with our social gatherings and career opportunities. —Amanda Yeager, Baltimore Sun, 9 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English entrelacen, from Anglo-French entrelacer, from entre- inter- + lacer to lace

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

interlace

verb

in·​ter·​lace ˌint-ər-ˈlās 

: to unite or cross by or as if by lacing together : interweave

interlaced fibers

interlacing branches

interlacement

-ˈlā-smənt 

noun