1. Plural of intermezzo; short instrumental musical pieces or movements performed between the acts of an opera or play.
Usage: music; formal
2. Short dramatic or comic pieces performed between the acts of a longer theatrical work.
Usage: theater; historical

Examples

• The opera featured three beautiful intermezzi that gave the audience a chance to stretch during the long performance.
• Composers of the Baroque era often wrote intermezzi to entertain patrons between acts.
• The string quartet performed several intermezzi by Brahms at the concert.
• Medieval theater productions included comic intermezzi to lighten the mood between serious scenes.
• The pianist's recital included two delicate intermezzi that showcased her technical skill.