intersection

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌin-tər-ˈsek-shən How to pronounce intersection (audio)
 especially in sense 1  ˈin-tər-ˌsek-
1
: a place or area where two or more things (such as streets) intersect
2
: the act or process of intersecting
3
a
: the set of elements common to two or more sets
especially : the set of points common to two geometric configurations
b
: the operation of finding the intersection of two or more sets

Illustration of intersection

Illustration of intersection
  • a intersection 3a

Examples of intersection in a Sentence

The accident occurred at a busy intersection. two possible points of intersection the intersection of line A and line B
Recent Examples on the Web The exact location of the fire has yet to be provided, but the large intersection includes a gas station, hardware store and a building belonging to an automotive supplies manufacturer. Rob Frehse, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 Learn more Jonathan Abrams writes about the intersections of sports and culture and the changing cultural scenes in the South. Jonathan Abrams, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2024 Mayor Eric Adams boosted the city’s commitment in November by promising to daylight 1,000 intersections each year. Jeff McMurray, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2024 Herbie Hancock, a pop-bop legend of many innovations, brings his piano flair to Lincoln Center (March 26), and Jasper Marsalis, under the name Slauson Malone 1, explores intersections of pop music and performance art at the Park Avenue Armory (March 27-28). The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2024 Following the lives of two aspiring basketball players from childhood to adulthood, the film beautifully captures the intersections of personal ambition and romantic connection. Travis Bean, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 On Monday, students walked out and gathered at an intersection near Owasso High School. Jackie Valley, The Christian Science Monitor, 29 Feb. 2024 Police said evidence collected at the scene indicated that a Toyota Rav4 driving eastbound on Highway 20, also known on that stretch as Colusa Highway, smashed into a light pole on the southeast side of the intersection. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2024 Most of the speed humps and the lighted pedestrian crossing were installed near the Valley Street intersection, which sees a lot of traffic from Valley Middle School and Magnolia Elementary School. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intersection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersection was in 1559

Dictionary Entries Near intersection

Cite this Entry

“Intersection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersection. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

intersection

noun
in·​ter·​sec·​tion ˌint-ər-ˈsek-shən How to pronounce intersection (audio)
1
: the act or process of intersecting
2
: the place or point where two or more things and especially streets intersect
a busy intersection
3
: the set of mathematical elements shared by two or more sets
especially : the set of points shared by two geometric figures

More from Merriam-Webster on intersection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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