entr'acte

American  

[ahn-trakt, ahn-trakt, ahn-trakt] / ɑnˈtrækt, ˈɑn trækt, ɑ̃ˈtrakt /

noun

entr'actes plural

1. the interval between two consecutive acts of a theatrical or operatic performance.

2. a performance, as of music or dancing, given during such an interval.

3. a piece of music or the like for such performance.

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entr'acte British  

/ ɒnˈtrækt, ɑ̃trakt /

noun

1. an interval between two acts of a play or opera

2. (esp formerly) an entertainment during an interval, such as dancing between acts of an opera

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• entr'actes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of entr'acte

First recorded in 1740–50; from French, equivalent to entre “between” (from Latin inter ) + acte “one of the main divisions of a play or opera”; see act

Example Sentences

Just as it mattered to Soderbergh when he made the nearly five-hour biopic “Che,” which he exhibited roadshow-style, complete with old-fashioned overture and entr’acte.

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2019

It could be heard as the missing entr'acte connecting the distant worlds between the current Los Angeles Opera double bill of Purcell's opera and Bartók's "Bluebeard's Castle."

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2014

The film breaks for an intermission and grandiose entr'acte music.

From The Guardian • May 24, 2013

Preshow and entr’acte piano-playing of period tunes like “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” whose misty-eyed lyrics are found inside the program, allow audience members to sing along.

From New York Times • May 13, 2013

As an entr’acte, from April 1649 to January 1650, came the affair of the Petits Ma�tres: Cond�, proud and violent; Gaston of Orleans, pliable and contemptible; Conti, the simpleton; and Longueville, the betrayed husband.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 7 "Fox, George" to "France" by Various