intermezzo

American  

[in-ter-met-soh, -med-zoh] / ˌɪn tərˈmɛt soʊ, -ˈmɛd zoʊ /

noun

plural

intermezzos, intermezzi

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.

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intermezzo British  

/ 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. another name for interlude

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Etymology

Origin of intermezzo

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

Example Sentences

Cliff's Edge is offering a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $75 per person, with an additional oyster amuse and granita intermezzo.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2018

Because he’s not a fast writer, with nine years between each of his novels, the collection offers his fans a quick fix — a kind of intermezzo — of his distinctive voice.

From Washington Post • Sep. 28, 2017

Last year sales of accessories reached $500 million in the U.S., an intermezzo compared with the $3.1 billion worth of musical instruments.

From Forbes • Aug. 20, 2014

Her agitation in the orchestral intermezzo, as she waited for Pinkerton's ship to make its promised return, was almost unbearable.

From The Guardian • Jun. 15, 2013

We had a really good laugh at this little intermezzo.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank