interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈin-tər-ˌlüd 

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

Synonyms

• discontinuity
• gap
• hiatus
• hiccup
• hiccough
• interim
• intermission
• interregnum
• interruption
• interstice
• interval
• parenthesis

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

As seen during one part of the show, which was filmed for release, Tito, then all of 22, begins the interlude with mellow blues work reminiscent of another idol, B.B. King (who would sign one of Tito’s guitars). —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2024

Even the dance interludes are carried over from Joker. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2024

These numerous dreamlike interludes, including several which predate the ayahuasca, are some of the film’s weakest moments—visually dazzling, certainly, but also tiresome and indulgent, testing the audience’s patience. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2024

Those memories are recreated in theatrical interludes woven into the larger narrative. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2024

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

Kids Definition

interlude

noun

in·​ter·​lude ˈint-ər-ˌlüd 

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