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

Fun fact: In concert, she reproduces the lilting whistled interlude to perfection.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the storm promises to bring Southern California’s first significant soaking in a month, an interlude that followed one of the region’s wettest Novembers on record, Northern California was already hit by storms this week.

From Los Angeles Times

The many self-interrogating interludes are intended to add depth but serve only to create a drag on the action.

From The Wall Street Journal

His melody is streaked with both hope and resignation, while brief guitar interludes underscore the sense of dislocation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Beowulf held up a hand, for this strange interlude with Gogolev had given him time to think.

From Literature

Related Words

• breathing space
• idyll
• lull
• respite