noun
interval
IHN-tuh-voh
noun
1
A gap or space between two points, whether in time, distance, or a sequence.
"There was a long interval between the two flashes of lightning."
"Take the medicine at regular intervals throughout the day."
2
British: a short break or intermission, especially during a play, concert, or sports match.
"We bought ice cream during the interval."
3
Music: the difference in pitch between two notes.
"A perfect fifth is an interval of seven semitones."
How to Use Interval
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gap between two things — in time, space, sound, or a live event.
UK vs US
British English uses "interval" for a theatre or concert break; American English typically says "intermission."
Common pairings
at regular intervals
short interval
during the interval
Word Forms
intervals plural
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There was a long _____ between the two flashes of lightning.
Etymology
From Latin intervallum, literally "space between two palisades," from inter- ("between") plus vallum ("wall" or "rampart").