interval
noun
in·ter·val
ˈin-tər-vəl 
plural intervals
1
a
: a space of time between events or states
a two-month interval between medical treatments
There were long intervals during the game in which nothing exciting happened.
b
British
: intermission
There was a twenty minute interval between acts two and three.
2
: the difference in pitch between two tones
3
: a space between objects, units, points, or states
The posts were set up at regular intervals along the road.
4
: one of a series of fast-paced or intense physical exercises alternated with slower or less intense ones or brief rests for training (as of an athlete) see also interval training
5
: a set of real numbers between two numbers either including or excluding one or both of them
Examples of interval in a Sentence
a three-month interval between jobs
There might be long intervals during which nothing happens.
The sun shone for brief intervals throughout the day.
There will be a 20-minute interval between acts one and two.
Recent Examples on the Web
Always follow the label directions carefully, but most fungicides are applied at 7 to 10 day intervals throughout the season.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
And because historical intervals for major earthquakes in that area occur at an average of 100 to 200 years, stress between the plates was assumed to be nearing its breaking point.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 9 July 2025
Consider these training intervals to battle mental fatigue. 4 Pillars That Build Mental Stamina
1.
—Akin Akinpelu, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Users can configure the app to send notifications after stopping the car, with intervals as short as one minute.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for interval
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Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
And because historical intervals for major earthquakes in that area occur at an average of 100 to 200 years, stress between the plates was assumed to be nearing its breaking point.
—Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 9 July 2025
Consider these training intervals to battle mental fatigue. 4 Pillars That Build Mental Stamina
1.
—Akin Akinpelu, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Users can configure the app to send notifications after stopping the car, with intervals as short as one minute.
—Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for interval
Cite this Entry
“Interval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interval. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
interval
noun
in·ter·val
ˈint-ər-vəl
1
: a period of time between events or states : pause
a three-month interval
the interval between elections
2
: a space between things
the interval between two desks
3
: difference in pitch between tones
Medical Definition
interval
noun
in·ter·val
ˈint-ər-vəl
: a space of time between events or states
intervals between pregnancies
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