interregnum

[ in-ter-reg-nuhm ]

noun

plural interregnums, interregna

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 Word Forms

• 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

His current place in history is as the Democratic interregnum between the two Trump presidential terms.

From BBC

In all, President Biden’s time in the White House will, in the mid to far future, likely be looked back upon as some interregnum and intervening years in the larger Trumpocene.

From Salon

Then there is the post-presidency - or, in Trump's case, a presidential interregnum.

From BBC

In Trump’s between-terms interregnum, he and Putin seemingly stayed in touch, with at least seven phone conversations that took place outside the purview of U.S. diplomacy, according to journalist and author Bob Woodward.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• interim