Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

intermezzo

/ɪntɚˈmɛtsoʊ/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.01 in modern English

Syllables: in-ter-mez-zo
IPA: /ɪntɚˈmɛtsoʊ/

30

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

4

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A short piece of music or act in the interval of the main spectacle; a theatrical interlude.

noun

A palate cleanser; a small snack with a bright light neutral taste; a fruit; a fresh sparkling wine; or a fruity or milky cocktail; that is served between courses in a meal.

noun

A tactical move which interrupts the execution of the current plan.

Example Sentences

"Thespis’ single actor served only to create an intermezzo between choral chants."
"She had ample time, too, to change for the next scene, which started with a longish intermezzo staged by a ballet company whose services Scotty had engaged [...]."

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian intermezzo. Doublet of intermede and intermedium

Origin

Source language: Italian

Word Breakdown

Root: intermezzo

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ɪntɚˈmɛtsoʊ/
British English: /ɪntəˈmɛtsəʊ/

Inflected Forms

intermezzos (plural) intermezzi (plural)

Phrases

intermezzo-like wet intermezzo

Frequently Paired Words

interlude zwischenzug tenuki

Synonyms

interlude entr'acte

Questions

How do you pronounce intermezzo?: The recorded pronunciation is /ɪntɚˈmɛtsoʊ/.
What does intermezzo mean?: A short piece of music or act in the interval of the main spectacle; a theatrical interlude.
Where does intermezzo come from?: It is traced to Italian.

How to pronounce intermezzo

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “intermezzo”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ɪntɚˈmɛtsoʊ/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “intermezzo”.
Repeat and practice — Say “intermezzo” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.