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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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

The blueprint was created by the great Agnes de Mille and, as far as I could tell, all of the dance breaks are there in full, as is the entire entr'acte for your listening pleasure.

From Chicago Tribune • Jun. 7, 2011

But why, after having played the great funeral march as an entr'acte, he did not use it again, as directed by the composer, for Hamlet's funeral procession, I can't understand.

From Shakespeare and Music by Wilson, Christopher