Word
intermission
Phoneticsin·ter·mis·sion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪntɝˈmɪʃən/
UK/ˌɪntəmˈɪʃən/
Countable noun Theater
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“We bought some popcorn during the intermission.”
contextual
“The first half of the opera lasted two hours, so the twenty-minute intermission was a welcome break for the audience.”
complex
“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.”
Usage
Commonly used in North American English; the British equivalent is typically 'interval'.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From Latin intermissiō, from intermittō.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/intermission