interlude

[in-ter-lood]

noun

1. an intervening episode, period, space, etc.

   Synonyms: pause, intermission, respite, interval

2. a short dramatic piece, especially of a light or farcical character, formerly introduced between the parts or acts of miracle and morality plays or given as part of other entertainments.

3. one of the early English farces or comedies, as those written by John Heywood, which grew out of such pieces.

4. any intermediate performance or entertainment, as between the acts of a play.

5. an instrumental passage or a piece of music rendered between the parts of a song, church service, drama, etc.

interlude

/ ˈɪntəˌluːd /

noun

1. a period of time or different activity between longer periods, processes, or events; episode or interval

2. theatre a short dramatic piece played separately or as part of a longer entertainment, common in 16th-century England

3. a brief piece of music, dance, etc, given between the sections of another performance

Other Word Forms

• interludial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interlude¹

1275–1325; Middle English < Medieval Latin interlūdium, equivalent to Latin inter- inter- + lūd ( us ) play + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of interlude¹

C14: from Medieval Latin interlūdium, from Latin _inter- + lūdus play

Example Sentences

And judging from the surreal interludes he drops into “Urchin” from time to time, you can spot the influence of Jonathan Glazer too.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Wordless interludes find Jem and Ray dancing to music or sparring as boxers, their simmering feud reduced to its core elements of rugged masculinity and sibling rivalry.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It's the only song that really leans into the showgirl concept, with a percussive tap-dancing interlude and ostentatious key changes, as the stars trade lines about their cut-throat industry.

Read more on BBC

The distance may be greater now, since one adventure during his Earth X interlude involved him slaughtering people he now knows shared his inclusive values.

Read more on Salon

The only thing missing was a musical interlude.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breathing space 
• idyll 
• lull 
• respite