Dictionary.com
definitions

interregnum

[in-ter-reg-nuh m]
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR interregnum ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural in·ter·reg·nums, in·ter·reg·na [in-ter-reg-nuh] /ˌɪn tərˈrɛg nə/.

an interval of time between the close of a sovereign's reign and the accession of his or her normal or legitimate successor.
any period during which a state has no ruler or only a temporary executive.
any period of freedom from the usual authority.
any pause or interruption in continuity.

RELATED CONTENT

interregnumFind new words to share every day with Dictionary.com's Word of the Day. Discover the definition, pronunciation, and origin of uncommon words plus more!
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

interim, meantime, lull, respite, idyll, interruption, interval, layoff, intermission, spell, hiatus, recess, hesitation, halt, stoppage, lapse, interlude, letup, suspension, hitch

Nearby words

  1. interradial,
  2. interradicular alveoloplasty,
  3. interradicular space,
  4. interrecord gap,
  5. interregional,
  6. interrelate,
  7. interrelated,
  8. interrelation,
  9. interrelationship,
  10. interreligious

Origin of interregnum

1570–80; < Latin, equivalent to inter- inter- + rēgnum reign
Related formsin·ter·reg·nal, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for interregnum

British Dictionary definitions for interregnum

interregnum

noun plural -nums or -na (-nə)

an interval between two reigns, governments, incumbencies, etc
any period in which a state lacks a ruler, government, etc
a period of absence of some control, authority, etc
a gap in a continuity
Derived Formsinterregnal, adjective

Word Origin for interregnum

C16: from Latin, from inter- + regnum reign
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for interregnum

interregnum

n.

1570s, from Latin interregnum, literally "between-reign," from inter- (see inter-) + regnum (see reign). In the republic, a vacancy in the consulate.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper