# interstitial

/ˌɪntɝˈstɪʃəɫ/ (US) · /ˌɪntəstˈɪʃəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/interstitial
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

describing the spaces between other things. In advertising, it refers to short videos that play between longer videos on the internet.

For teachers: relating to the spaces or gaps between other structures or objects. In digital media, specifically describes advertisements that appear between video segments on streaming platforms.

## Examples

- The interstitial ad plays for five seconds before the video starts.
- Many streaming services use interstitial ads to generate revenue without interrupting the main content flow.
- In ecological studies, researchers examine interstitial spaces in soil to understand how microorganisms survive in environments where larger organisms cannot move.

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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.