# intersect

/ˌɪntɝˈsɛkt/ (US) · /ˌɪntəsˈɛkt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intersect
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to meet or cross at a certain point. You use this when two roads, lines, or ideas come together.

For teachers: to divide or cross by passing through or across; to meet and cross at a point. Often describes the physical crossing of lines or the conceptual overlapping of different topics.

## Examples

- The two main roads intersect at the center of town.
- The study explores how environmental policies and economic growth intersect in developing nations.
- In urban planning, the goal is to design spaces where public transit routes and pedestrian paths intersect seamlessly to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

## Usage notes

- The verb can be used intransitively ('the lines intersect') or transitively ('line A intersects line B').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.