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

The anthology recounts the story of the 1986 album, tunes that will be played during the upcoming tour's mid-show interlude. —Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 10 Dec. 2024

After the long Colby interlude, the episode returns to Kayce, who packs a bag for a night and sets out to confront Grant Horton. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2024

The movie pauses for too many talking-heads interludes with nostalgic celebrity fans, interrupting the fun of the Maysles footage. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 26 Nov. 2024

The movie is not punctuated by any overly dramatic storylines; just the quiet interactions that Hirayama has with those around him—family, coworkers, total strangers—and the way those interludes impact him. —Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 7 Nov. 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