interlude

IPA/ˈɪntəluːd/
KK[ˈɪntɚlˌud]IPA/ˈɪntərluːd/

interlude — noun

  • interludesingular
  • interludesplural

1. a brief stretch of time, coming between two longer events or situations, that st

1.nounB2
Definition

a brief stretch of time, coming between two longer events or situations, that stands out because the mood, activity, or feeling is noticeably different from what surrounds it.

Example

After months of heavy fighting, the ceasefire created a rare interlude of calm for the trapped civilians.

interlude + of + noun (calm, peace, silence)

The family enjoyed a quiet interlude in the countryside before returning to their busy city routines.

adjective + interlude (quiet, peaceful, brief)

Common collocations
  • brief interlude
  • peaceful interlude
  • comic interlude
  • romantic interlude
  • interlude of calm
  • interlude of silence
Synonyms
  • interval

    More neutral and common; interlude emphasises that the period feels different in character.

  • pause

    Shorter and more everyday; interlude suggests a longer or more meaningful break.

  • respite

    Stronger sense of relief from something unpleasant; interlude is more neutral.

Grammar Patterns

interlude + of + noun phrase

adjective + interlude

Usage Note

Often used with a modifier (adjective or of-phrase) to describe the character of the intervening time, e.g. a peaceful interlude, an interlude of calm.

Common Mistakes

There was a interlude break between classes.
There was a brief interlude between classes.
'interlude' already includes the idea of a short break; do not add 'break' after it.

2. a short show, musical piece, or comic act that is presented in the middle of a l

2.nounB2
Definition

a short show, musical piece, or comic act that is presented in the middle of a longer play, concert, film, or ceremony to give a change of pace or to cover a scene change.

Example

During the play, a musical interlude allowed the stage crew to change the scenery behind the curtain.

musical interlude — common collocation in theatre

The band played a gentle piano interlude between two loud rock numbers.

interlude + between + noun phrase (two parts of a performance)

Common collocations
  • musical interlude
  • orchestral interlude
  • comic interlude
  • instrumental interlude
  • dance interlude
  • interlude between acts
Synonyms
  • entr'acte

    Specifically refers to a performance between acts of a play; more formal and less common than interlude.

  • intermezzo

    A short instrumental piece in an opera or larger work; more specialised musical term.

  • insert

    More general; interlude implies a self-contained piece with some artistic shape.

Grammar Patterns

musical / instrumental / comic + interlude

interlude + between + noun phrase

Usage Note

In theatre and music, interlude specifically refers to a short piece performed between larger sections — it is not used for a full-length interval or intermission. The related noun intermission refers to the entire break between acts.

Common Mistakes

We went to the lobby during the interlude.
We went to the lobby during the intermission.
'interlude' is the short performance or music; 'intermission' is the longer break when the audience leaves their seats.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Interval is the most neutral and widely used word for a period of time between two events — it carries no emotional tone and works in any context. Pause suggests a shorter, often deliberate stop; it is more everyday and can be as brief as a few seconds. Respite adds a strong feeling of relief from something difficult, tiring, or unpleasant — you would use it for a break from stress or pain, not for a neutral gap. Intermission is restricted to the specific break in a performance (play, film, sports game) when the audience takes a scheduled rest. Interlude, by contrast, emphasises that the intervening time feels different from what surrounds it: a quiet, comic, or romantic atmosphere that stands out. For example: 'There was a 15-minute interval between classes' (neutral); 'The weekend at the lake was a welcome respite from city noise' (relief). 'Interlude' fits somewhere between interval and respite — it is about a change in character rather than just a gap or a relief.

interval ↗pause ↗respiteintermission ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • brief interlude
  • short interlude
  • peaceful interlude
  • musical interlude
  • comic interlude
  • romantic interlude

Prepositions

  • interlude between
  • interlude from
  • interlude of
  • interlude in

Etymology

LatinMedieval LatinEnglish

Interlude comes from Medieval Latin interludium, a combination of inter- (between) and ludus (play). It originally referred to a short comic or musical piece performed between the acts of a medieval play or religious drama. By the 1500s it had broadened to mean any intervening period of time, especially one that stands apart in character from the events around it.