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intersperse

verb
in·​ter·​sperse | \ ˌin-tər-ˈspərs How to pronounce intersperse (audio) \
interspersed; interspersing

Definition of intersperse

transitive verb

1 : to place something at intervals in or among intersperse a book with pictures
2 : to insert at intervals among other things interspersing drawings throughout the text
Other Words from intersperse Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about intersperse

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Other Words from intersperse

interspersion \ ˌin-​tər-​ˈspər-​zhən How to pronounce interspersion (audio) , -​shən \ noun

Did You Know?

Intersperse derives from Latin interspersus, formed by combining the familiar prefix inter- ("between or among") with "sparsus," the past participle of spargere, meaning "to scatter." In "sparsus" one finds an ancestor to our adjective "sparse," as well as a relative of "spark." (The relationship of "spark" to a word that describes something being scattered about makes sense when you think of sparks bursting or scattering off a flame.) "Intersperse" is often followed by the preposition "with," as in "a straggling street of comfortable white and red houses, interspersed with abundant shady trees." (H.G. Wells, The War of the Worlds)

Examples of intersperse in a Sentence

You should intersperse these pictures evenly throughout the book. Some seagulls were interspersed among the ducks.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Fadden, Ahti, and the rest of the game’s characters look lifelike, and Control intersperses its in-game cutscenes with real world footage. — Matthew Gault, Time, "'Control' Feels Like What Would Happen if David Lynch Made a Video Game," 5 Sep. 2019 Fires in the Amazon are routine, typically occurring in July and August, as the region goes through a dry season, interspersed between wet weather the remainder of the year. — Fox News, "Amazon wildfires can be seen from space, NASA images show," 21 Aug. 2019 The menu has ads interspersed through the pages — for Coca-Cola and for the Cheesecake Factory itself. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: The Cheesecake Factory is the restaurant America wants, deserves," 20 Aug. 2019 This YouTube video making the rounds that intersperses Jim Carey's face on Jack Nicholson's character during the shining. — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, "In Apple We Trust—Cyber Saturday," 13 July 2019 For Bill Maus, work was his hobby and his hobby was work, interspersed between his near insatiable need to travel. — sun-sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 7/12," 12 July 2019 An array of bright, punchy colors were interspersed throughout, as seen in a fuchsia jacket and minidress as well as an orange skirt suit. — Sylvia & Julia Haghjoo, Harper's BAZAAR, "Exclusive: Chanel Haute Couture's Show in Photos," 3 July 2019 There is a range of musical styles and graphics, including one version that intersperses palm trees and an alligator wearing a red Make America Great Again hat along with more casual images of Trump pointing his index fingers toward the camera. — Evan Halper, latimes.com, "Trump’s big, early lead in Facebook ads deeply worries Democratic strategists," 12 June 2019 The large back room will be almost exclusively filled with Christmas items, while the rest of the store will hold Christmas trees and décor interspersed with regular sale items. — Mary Jane Brewer, cleveland.com, "Hospice of Medina County’s Christmas Treasures store to open on Sept. 16," 25 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intersperse.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of intersperse

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for intersperse

Latin interspersus interspersed, from inter- + sparsus, past participle of spargere to scatter — more at spark

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More Definitions for intersperse

intersperse

verb
How to pronounce intersperse (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of intersperse

: to put (something) at different places among other things
: to put things at different places within (something)

See the full definition for intersperse in the English Language Learners Dictionary

intersperse

verb
in·​ter·​sperse | \ ˌin-tər-ˈspərs How to pronounce intersperse (audio) \
interspersed; interspersing

Kids Definition of intersperse

1 : to put (something) here and there among other things The publisher interspersed pictures throughout the book.
2 : to put things at various places in or among Sunshine was interspersed with clouds.

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