intermission

/ˈɪntərˌmɪʃən/

/ɪntəˈmɪʃən/

Other forms: intermissions

The lengthy pause in the middle of a play or concert is called an intermission. If you're hungry, you might have time to grab a snack during the intermission.

The word intermission has a Latin root, intermissionem, "a breaking off or interruption." Originally, it meant any temporary pause, but by the 1850s it was often used in reference to breaks between acts in theatrical performances. In the UK, this is known as an "interval," but in North America, theater and concert attendees wait until the intermission to use the restroom.

Definitions of intermission

1. noun

   a time during which something is temporarily stopped or delayed
   synonyms: break, interruption, pause, suspension

   types:

   lapse

   a break or intermission in the occurrence of something

   blackout

   a suspension of radio or tv broadcasting

   caesura

   a pause or interruption (as in a conversation)

   dead air

   an inadvertent interruption in a broadcast during which there is no sound

   delay, hold, postponement, time lag, wait

   time during which some action is awaited

   halftime

   an intermission between the first and second half of a game

   relief, respite, rest, rest period

   a pause for relaxation

   time-out

   a brief suspension of play

   letup, lull

   a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished

   extension

   a mutually agreed delay in the date set for the completion of a job or payment of a debt

   breath, breather, breathing place, breathing space, breathing spell, breathing time

   a short respite

   moratorium

   a legally authorized postponement before some obligation must be discharged

   retardation

   the extent to which something is delayed or held back

   type of:

   interval, time interval

   a definite length of time marked off by two instants
2. noun

   the act of suspending activity temporarily
   type of:

   pause

   temporary inactivity