interlude

American  

[in-ter-lood] / ˈɪn tərˌlud /

noun

1. an intervening episode, period, space, etc.

   Synonyms:

   pause, intermission, respite, interval

2. a short dramatic piece, especially of a light or farcical character, formerly introduced between the parts or acts of miracle and morality plays or given as part of other entertainments.

3. one of the early English farces or comedies, as those written by John Heywood, which grew out of such pieces.

4. any intermediate performance or entertainment, as between the acts of a play.

5. an instrumental passage or a piece of music rendered between the parts of a song, church service, drama, etc.

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interlude British  

/ ˈɪntəˌluːd /

noun

1. a period of time or different activity between longer periods, processes, or events; episode or interval

2. theatre a short dramatic piece played separately or as part of a longer entertainment, common in 16th-century England

3. a brief piece of music, dance, etc, given between the sections of another performance

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Other Word Forms

• interludial adjective

Etymology

Origin of interlude

1275–1325; Middle English < Medieval Latin interlūdium, equivalent to Latin inter- inter- + lūd ( us ) play + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

Other close-ups are less effective—for example, those fixed on the hands and arms of Romeo and Juliet for their “balcony” interlude, where their bare limbs interact in less-than-memorable choreographic configurations.

From The Wall Street Journal

The night felt mostly like a celebration of his musical journey, with video interludes during the performance referencing his gratitude towards those who had followed his career since he started in 2016.

From BBC

Temperatures have been above average overall but there were colder interludes and some places have seen significant snow.

From BBC

If your mouth opens wide during any of the supposedly terrifying interludes, it’s more likely to form a yawn than a cry.

From The Wall Street Journal

The first group in the rogues’ gallery are the British children of World War II. Lennon was born in the interlude between air raids.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• breathing space
• idyll
• lull
• respite