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noun C2 Proficient

interlude

IHN-tuh-lood

Interlude (noun) means a pause or short episode that happens between two longer events. Example: “After weeks of rain, they enjoyed a brief sunny interlude.”

noun
1
A pause or short episode that happens between two longer events.
"After weeks of rain, they enjoyed a brief sunny interlude."
2
A short piece of music or entertainment performed between the acts of a longer show.
"The orchestra played a short interlude between the two acts of the opera."

How to Use Interlude

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA brief pause, break, or short piece that fits between two bigger events.

Common pairings
brief interlude musical interlude

Word Forms

interluded past tense, interludes plural, interludes singular

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Fill the Gap

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After weeks of rain, they enjoyed a brief sunny _____.

Etymology

From Latin inter- ("between") plus ludo ("to play").

Origin: Latin

entr'acte intermezzo

Rhymes for interlude

See all rhymes for interlude →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “interlude” mean?

The word “interlude” means a pause or short episode that happens between two longer events. In plain terms, a brief pause, break, or short piece that fits between two bigger events.

How do you pronounce “interlude”?

“Interlude” is pronounced IHN-tuh-lood (/ˈɪntə(ɹ)luːd/ in IPA).

How do you use “interlude” in a sentence?

Here is “interlude” used in a sentence: “After weeks of rain, they enjoyed a brief sunny interlude.”

What part of speech is “interlude”?

“Interlude” is a noun.

Where does the word “interlude” come from?

The word “interlude” comes from Latin. From Latin inter- ("between") plus ludo ("to play").

How many meanings does “interlude” have?

“Interlude” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a pause or short episode that happens between two longer events.

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