interregnum

[ in-ter-reg-nuhm ]

noun

, plural in·ter·reg·nums, in·ter·reg·na [in-ter-, reg, -n, uh].

1. an interval of time between the close of a sovereign's reign and the accession of their normal or legitimate successor.
2. any period during which a state has no ruler or only a temporary executive.
3. any period of freedom from the usual authority.
4. any pause or interruption in continuity.

interregnum

/ ˌɪntəˈrɛɡnəm /

noun

1. an interval between two reigns, governments, incumbencies, etc
2. any period in which a state lacks a ruler, government, etc
3. a period of absence of some control, authority, etc
4. a gap in a continuity

Derived Forms

• ˌinterˈregnal, adjective

Other Words From

• inter·regnal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interregnum¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin; originally “the period between the death of the old king and the accession of the new one,” equivalent to inter- preposition and prefix + regnum “office or power of a king, kingship, kingdom”; inter-, reign

Word History and Origins

Origin of interregnum¹

C16: from Latin, from inter- + regnum reign

Example Sentences

You can't blame voters for getting a little overheated in their rhetoric during the election season and moving on with their lives in the interregnum.

From Salon

We have entered what I have come to think of as the Oscars’ interregnum, that anxious, frequently tedious period between the announcement of the nominees and the unveiling of the winners.

From Los Angeles Times

If we’re being truly rational, the period from the time you surrender your keys to the moment you collect your vehicle should be an interregnum that fills the heart with dread.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the British constitution, a sovereign succeeds to the throne the moment his or her predecessor dies, before being proclaimed to the people, so there is no interregnum.

From Reuters

“You are a weak monarch in a dangerous interregnum,” she tells Roman.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• interim