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

Beowulf held up a hand, for this strange interlude with Gogolev had given him time to think.

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Meanwhile, war, politics and failed leadership can be glimpsed in brief interludes of news reports on Farsi’s television.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In a typically pointless interlude, he plays a blind Irish priest, but doesn’t fool anyone long enough to yield a solid gag.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This little interlude can change the direction of a game, and adversely impact the opposition.

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There are jump cuts too, and interludes of his actors in close-up that could be color screen tests or just a nod to Hujar’s aptitude for portraits.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breathing space 
• idyll 
• lull 
• respite