intermezzo
noun
in·ter·mez·zo ˌin-tər-ˈmet-(ˌ)sō 
-ˈmed-(ˌ)zō
-ˈmed-(ˌ)zō plural intermezzi ˌin-tər-ˈmet-(ˌ)sē
-ˈmed-(ˌ)zē
or intermezzos 1
: a short light entr'acte
2
a
: a movement coming between the major sections of an extended musical work (such as an opera)
b
: a short independent instrumental composition
3
: a usually brief interlude or diversion
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web An intermezzo of peach sorbetto and Chartreuse gelee will be served before steer tenderloin with foie gras, new potatoes and snap peas, and the dessert of chocolate and vanilla eclairs. 
Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2022 The day includes a Bloody Mary bar, private tee times, a golf intermezzo and a post-golf massage. Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2021 The intermezzo will be a citrus granite with pomegranate syrup and blueberries. Rod Stafford Hagwood, sun-sentinel.com, 17 Sep. 2019 Nagano’s exquisitely detailed account of elegiac middle movement, the throaty low strings of the intermezzo and the rush of energy that drove the last movement represented the concert’s high point, at least so far as the orchestra was concerned. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 16 Oct. 2019 Cliff's Edge is offering a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $75 per person, with an additional oyster amuse and granita intermezzo. Julie Giuffrida, latimes.com, 5 Feb. 2018 After a refreshing tomato fennel sorbet intermezzo, diners cut into a rack of veal with porcini mushrooms, butternut squash tart, and wilted kale. Amber Elliott, Houston Chronicle, 29 Jan. 2018 The amuse-bouche and intermezzo will be compliments of the house. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 Jan. 2018 Lineup: Adami Prosecco NV, Inama Soave 2014, Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2015, Scaia Rose 2015, Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2013, intermezzo with Campari, Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo 2013, Cleto Chiarli Cialdini Lambrusco NV. Marc Bona, cleveland.com, 16 May 2017 See More
Elaine Rewolinski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2022 The day includes a Bloody Mary bar, private tee times, a golf intermezzo and a post-golf massage. Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2021 The intermezzo will be a citrus granite with pomegranate syrup and blueberries. Rod Stafford Hagwood, sun-sentinel.com, 17 Sep. 2019 Nagano’s exquisitely detailed account of elegiac middle movement, the throaty low strings of the intermezzo and the rush of energy that drove the last movement represented the concert’s high point, at least so far as the orchestra was concerned. Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, 16 Oct. 2019 Cliff's Edge is offering a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $75 per person, with an additional oyster amuse and granita intermezzo. Julie Giuffrida, latimes.com, 5 Feb. 2018 After a refreshing tomato fennel sorbet intermezzo, diners cut into a rack of veal with porcini mushrooms, butternut squash tart, and wilted kale. Amber Elliott, Houston Chronicle, 29 Jan. 2018 The amuse-bouche and intermezzo will be compliments of the house. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 10 Jan. 2018 Lineup: Adami Prosecco NV, Inama Soave 2014, Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio 2015, Scaia Rose 2015, Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2013, intermezzo with Campari, Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo 2013, Cleto Chiarli Cialdini Lambrusco NV. Marc Bona, cleveland.com, 16 May 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Italian, ultimately from Latin intermedius intermediate
First Known Use
1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1