An interlude is a period of time between two events, or a performance or activity that fills a gap between the main parts of something larger.

When a play has two acts, the interlude is the break in between where the audience might stretch their legs or the stagehands change the scenery. An orchestra concert might have a musical interlude, a short piece played between longer symphonies. At school assemblies, there might be an interlude of announcements between two student performances.

The word comes from Latin roots meaning “between” and “play,” which captures exactly what it is: something that happens in the middle, creating a pause or shift. In books, an author might include an interlude chapter that breaks away from the main story to show something happening elsewhere or at a different time.

You can also use interlude for everyday moments. A sunny afternoon might be a pleasant interlude during a rainy week. A quiet conversation with a friend could be a peaceful interlude in an otherwise hectic day. The word suggests something temporary but often welcome, a breathing space before returning to what came before.