rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinterludeIntervening period
noun

interlude

IN-ter-lood/ˈɪntərluːd/

A short intervening episode within a longer sequence.

The musicians enjoy a brief interlude over tea before rehearsing again.

A three-part visual sequence shows two musicians rehearsing, sharing a short tea break, and rehearsing again.
Etymology
interLatinbetween
+ludeLatina play

A 'play between' was originally a short comic episode inserted between acts of a longer drama. The name broadened to an intervening interval or episode in other activities.

In context

The Best Seat in History179:45
so often treated as a brief emotional interlude on the way to the main event, is in fact the true climax of the entire story.
You've Been Wrong About Temptation (The Bible Explains Why)

More examples

  • A piano interlude connects the two scenes.
  • We return to work after a peaceful interlude in the garden.
  • The storm offers only brief interludes of calm.

Forms

interlude · interludes

Similar words

break
Emphasizes stopping an activity, often to rest or recover.
pause
Suggests a temporary stop rather than a separate intervening episode.
interval
Names the time between events, without suggesting a distinct episode.