intermural

[ in-ter-myoor-uhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or taking place between two or more institutions, cities, etc.:

   an intermural track meet.

2. occurring or being between walls, as of buildings or cities:

   a narrow, intermural forecourt.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermural¹

First recorded in 1650–60, intermural is from the Latin word intermūrālis between walls. See inter-, mural

More About Intermural

What does intermural mean?

Intermural describes something that takes place between two or more groups, such as two or more institutions, locations, or populations.

An uncommon term, intermural refers to anything that occurs between two or more groups. It’s most often used in reference to sporting events, usually those between two schools or two local communities. For example, if you play on your city’s soccer team and your team plays other cities’ soccer teams, you’re on an intermural team.

Intermural is also used to describe something that is between walls, such as between the walls of two buildings that stand next to each other. For example, a courtyard that is enclosed on all sides by the outer walls of buildings could be described as an intermural courtyard.

Intermural is often confused with the term intramural. Intramural describes something that takes place within a group, such as a school, city, or profession. If you play on an intramural team, your team will play other teams from the same same organization rather than playing teams from other organizations. 

When used in connection with walls, intramural describes something within the wall, such as piping, wiring, and chutes.

Example: Miguel’s intermural city football team beat the teams from all the surrounding cities.

Where does intermural come from?

The first records of the term intermural come from around the 1650s. It comes from the Latin term intermūrālis, meaning “between walls.” The prefix inter– means “between,” while intra– means “within.” Intermural sports are played by teams from different schools, while intramural sports are played by teams at the same school.

Did you know ... ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with intermural? 

• intramural
• intermix
• intermission
• interact

What are some words that often get used in discussing intermural?

• competition
• school
• sports
• walls

What are some words intermural may be commonly confused with?

• intramural

How is intermural used in real life?

Intermural isn’t a common word, but it’s most frequently used in reference to sports and agreements.

Love how I get the full-game with box score of the UofA intermural hoops league from @dannyholcomb2 . My guy Holcomb had 30 tonight!

— Todd Wolfson (@SFHShoops) November 5, 2015

I played a mean cornerback in high school intermural football, Eagles. Feel free to give me a call.

— Charlie O'Connor (@charlieo_conn) November 18, 2018

When I was a college freshman, I joined an intermural wrestling tournament with zero wrestling experience. During the weigh in, my weight was somehow misreported at approximately 30 pounds less than reality. I got second place. It as one of the best days of my entire life.

— Brett Kelman (@BrettKelman) January 13, 2021

 

Try using intermural!

True or False?

If you play on an intermural team at your school, you’ll play other teams from your school.