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

So what you have is that strange interregnum, where people are queueing around the corner.

From Freakonomics

Nearly every state is currently reporting mortality figures resembling the interregnum last summer or last October, between peaks that began in June and again in the fall.

From Time

The researchers noticed that one colony’s chirps began to vary in the interregnum after their queen died, only to fall in line with a new monarch’s dialect when she took the throne.

From Popular-Science

Costner was an earnest man for an earnest time: the patriotic, self-serious interregnum between Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

From The Daily Beast

Most comically of all, I will never forget the brief Al-Sharpton-has-been-redeemed interregnum.

From The Daily Beast

Throughout the bitter four-month interregnum, President Herbert Hoover had tried to get FDR to endorse joint policy statements.

From The Daily Beast

The establishment of a British Consulate there, after a long interregnum, was either the cause or excuse for an outbreak.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the Civil War and the Interregnum (1642-60) may be regarded as marking a watershed in the financial history of the country.

From Project Gutenberg

I do pity you, with the drunken Christmas workmen keeping you in this uncomfortable interregnum.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, the severest prohibitions were naturally mitigated during an interregnum.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus did the hours creep on until darkness with its interregnum of peace had fallen on the city.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• interim