intermezzo

[ in-ter-met-soh, -med-zoh ]

noun

, plural in·ter·mez·zos, in·ter·mez·zi [in-ter-, met, -see, -, med, -zee],

1. a short dramatic, musical, or other entertainment of light character, introduced between the acts of a drama or opera.
2. a short musical composition between main divisions of an extended musical work.
3. a short, independent musical composition.

intermezzo

/ ˌɪntəˈmɛtsəʊ /

noun

1. a short piece of instrumental music composed for performance between the acts or scenes of an opera, drama, etc
2. an instrumental piece either inserted between two longer movements in an extended composition or intended for independent performance
3. See interlude
   another name for interlude

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermezzo¹

1805–15; < Italian < Late Latin intermedium; intermediary

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermezzo¹

C19: from Italian, from Late Latin intermedium interval; see intermediate

Example Sentences

Later it is interrupted by a lyric intermezzo, brief but pathetically sweet.

From Project Gutenberg

Then follows an Intermezzo in the key of the relative minor.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, in spite of the disturbing intermezzo, the concert terminated to the general satisfaction of all.

From Project Gutenberg

She swung round on her music-stool and began the intermezzo again, getting up as her aunt entered with Edith.

From Project Gutenberg

This note sounds much more clearly—one might say defiantly—through the last two acts of "Intermezzo."

From Project Gutenberg