interregnum

American  

[in-ter-reg-nuhm] / ˌɪn tərˈrɛg nəm /

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.

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interregnum British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• interregnal adjective

Etymology

Origin of interregnum

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

Explanation

Interregnum describes the period between the reigns of two leaders. If you're a rebel leader, you may try to gain power during an interregnum. Pronounce interregnum with the accent on the third syllable: "in-ter-REG-num." It comes from Latin: inter- means "between" and regnum means "kingship, dominion, rule, realm." An interregnum can be marked by no government at all, or it can refer to a different kind of leadership between two similar regimes.

Example Sentences

While he was at the Center for Renewing America, the think tank he founded during his private sector interregnum, Vought indicated a few concrete ways he could push his vision.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2025

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 • Feb. 7, 2024

Gerri warns Roman that Joy is well-connected, while Roman is "a weak monarch in a dangerous interregnum."

From Salon • May 1, 2023

The post-Cold War era has given way to an uneasy interregnum in which great-power rivalry grows.

From New York Times • Feb. 26, 2023

While blacks did win the right to vote when the Republican Party came to power three years later, and even served in various offices, the interregnum lasted less than a decade.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• breathing space
• halt
• hesitation
• hiatus
• hitch
• interlude
• intermission
• interruption
• interval
• lapse
• layoff
• letup
• lull
• recess
• respite
• stoppage
• suspension