intermission
n.a short break between the parts of a play, movie, or concert. It gives the audience time to stretch or get a drink.
n.a short interval between the acts of a theatrical performance, concert, or film. Often used to facilitate scene changes or provide a rest period for performers and audience members.
“We bought some popcorn during the intermission.”
“The first half of the opera lasted two hours, so the twenty-minute intermission was a welcome break for the audience.”
“While the lead actor prepared for the demanding final act, the orchestra played a light piece of music to entertain those who remained in their seats during the intermission.”
Commonly used in North American English; the British equivalent is typically 'interval'.
“Whether that’s due to cultural differences in self-expression or humour is up for debate, but backstage during intermission the cast are giddy.”
“Anyway we went, we screamed, we clacked the massive Jellicle Ball fans and at intermission, the theatre played DJ Murphy’s ballroom remixes of Lloyd Webber’s songs while people lost their minds.”
From Latin intermissiō, from intermittō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.