What does intermission mean?
An intermission is a temporary pause during which an activity is suspended. Its most familiar use refers to the break between acts of a play, musical, opera, or other staged performance, giving audiences an opportunity to leave their seats, visit concessions, or talk among themselves. The word can also describe any recognized break in proceedings, such as a pause between sections of a formal meeting. Intermission commonly implies that the activity will resume, and it often carries a sense of orderly suspension rather than a sudden interruption. The word appears in both British and American English, although British speakers may use "interval" more often for theatre performances. Overall, intermission is a formal and versatile term for a planned break in an otherwise continuous event.
nounA temporary break in an activity, especially the scheduled pause between acts of a play, opera, or other performance.
- The scheduled break between acts of a play, opera, musical, or other performance.
- A temporary pause in an activity or the proceedings of an event.
"During the intermission, the cast gathered backstage to prepare for the second act."
"The audience returned to their seats when the intermission ended."
"After a brief intermission, the committee resumed its discussion."
The regular plural is formed by adding -s.
"Short intermissions between presentations helped sustain the audience's attention."
In a theatre, intermission is the suspenseful gap between acts—and often the only time the audience can leave its seats.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intermission come from?
Intermission entered English in the early 17th century from Latin intermissio, a noun meaning "a pause" or "interruption." Its Latin source was derived from intermittere, meaning "to interrupt" or "to leave a gap," formed from inter-, meaning "between," and mittere, meaning "to send." Related English words, including intermittent, mission, transmission, and submission, ultimately reflect this Latin verbal root.
How intermission is actually used
The term is standard in both British and American English. In British English, "interval" is also common for a theatre break, while "intermission" is especially familiar in American usage. Outside the theatre, it often suggests a formally recognized or scheduled pause.
Easily confused with intermission
An intermission usually refers to a performance break between acts, whereas a recess commonly denotes a scheduled break in a school, court, meeting, or similar activity.