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

But first, an abbreviated Weaving 101: two sets of threads or yarns interlace at right angles to produce fabric.

From Salon • Dec. 24, 2021

The minor march and its major antidote stare at each other across section breaks, socially distanced, unable to interlace.

From New York Times • Aug. 11, 2020

The trio, which date to the 10th and 11th centuries, are adorned with crosses and Celtic interlace patterns similar to the ones seen on the stones inside the church.”

From Fox News • Apr. 5, 2019

By the time he was 18, the blond, blue-eyed, flat-topped dude could turn a steady, vaulting painted line into a razor-sharp, whiplash interlace that would briskly animate the deadened surface of an otherwise soulless machine.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2018

I step off to the side, standing in cave-darkness next to Jane, whose fingers interlace with mine.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan

Related Words

• interweave