interlace

American  

[in-ter-leys, in-ter-leys] / ˌɪn tərˈleɪs, ˈɪn tərˌleɪs /

verb (used without object)

interlaced, interlacing

1. to cross one another, typically passing alternately over and under, as if woven together; intertwine.

   Their hands interlaced.

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verb (used with object)

interlaced, interlacing

1. to unite or arrange (threads, strips, parts, branches, etc.) so as to intercross one another, passing alternately over and under; intertwine.

2. to mingle; blend.

3. to diversify, as with threads woven in.

4. to intersperse; intermingle.

   She interlaced her lecture on Schubert with some of his songs.

interlace British  

/ ˌɪntəˈleɪs, ˌɪntəˈleɪsɪdlɪ /

verb

1. to join together (patterns, fingers, etc) by crossing, as if woven; intertwine

2. (tr) to mingle or blend in an intricate way

3. to change the pattern of; diversify; intersperse

   to interlace a speech with humour

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Other Word Forms

• interlacedly
  adverb
• interlacement
  noun
• uninterlaced
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of interlace

1325–75; inter- + lace; replacing Middle English entrelacen < Middle French en-trelacer

Explanation

To interlace is to weave, tangle, or twist things together. When you hold hands with someone, the two of you interlace your fingers. When you do sit ups, you interlace your fingers behind your neck and bend your knees, and if you learn how to make a basket, you'll interlace strips of rattan reeds or willow branches. You can also use this adjective to mean "intersperse," as when you write a short story and attempt to interlace dialogue between paragraphs describing the action. Interlace combines inter-, "between" and the verb lace, "fasten, entwine, or braid."

Example Sentences

The trick, said Pennes, is to grow vegetables and fruits in separate raised beds and then interlace the remaining ground with native plants.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2025

While some propaganda is mendacious, the most effective propaganda will interlace carefully selected verifiable facts with emotional appeals.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2024

The totems interlace fabric, twine and what sometimes appear to be animal or human organs.

From Washington Post • Jan. 28, 2022

On their way out of a spider’s bottom, the protein building blocks in silk, called spidroins, fold themselves and interlace, creating a highly organized structure without guidance from any outside force.

From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2020

For the first time, I notice they don’t interlace smoothly.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

Related Words

• interweave