What does intermingle mean?
Intermingle means to mix together or combine in a way that makes separate elements blend into one another. It can describe people, objects, ideas, sounds, or other qualities: for example, colours intermingle, crowds intermingle, and traditions intermingle through contact. The verb often suggests a gradual or natural mixing rather than a precise, controlled combination, although it can also refer to deliberate blending. Its common construction is “intermingle A with B,” but it may also be used without an object when two groups or qualities come together. The word has a somewhat literary and formal character, giving it more weight than the plainer verbs mix or blend. Even so, it is widely understood in British and American English and is useful when describing the gradual fusion of different things.
verbTo mix two or more things together so that their elements become blended; also, to become mixed with one another.
- Mix two or more things together so that their elements become blended, or become mixed with one another.
"The scent of jasmine began to intermingle with the salt air from the bay."
"The scent of jasmine began to intermingle with the salt air from the bay."
"Old stories and new technologies intermingle in the exhibition."
Intermingle gives the familiar idea of mingling a more expansive, slightly poetic voice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intermingle come from?
Intermingle was formed in early modern English by combining the Latin prefix inter-, meaning “between” or “among,” with mingle. Mingle derives from Old English mengan, meaning “to mix” or “to blend.” The verb also belongs to a broader English family of prefixed forms, including commingle and intermix.
Related word forms
How intermingle is actually used
Somewhat literary and more common in writing than in everyday speech. It can be transitive, as in “intermingle the ingredients,” or intransitive, as in “the crowds intermingled.” In less formal contexts, mingle or blend may sound more natural.
Easily confused with intermingle
Intermix means to mix together, while intermingle often suggests elements becoming blended within a larger group or setting.