intersect

verb

in·​ter·​sect ˌin-tər-ˈsekt How to pronounce intersect (audio)
intersected; intersecting; intersects
Synonyms of intersectnext

transitive verb

: to pierce or divide by passing through or across : cross
a comet intersecting earth's orbit
one line intersects another

intransitive verb

1
: to meet and cross at a point
lines intersecting at right angles
2
: to share a common area : overlap
where morality and self-interest intersect

Synonyms of intersect

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Examples of intersect in a Sentence

A dry stream bed intersects the trail in several places. Line A intersects with line B. The two roads intersect at the edge of town.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Draconids are the result of Earth intersecting with a trail from the comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner, and occurs in October each year when the planet nears the comet’s orbit. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 The two families’ lives intersected once again in their dedication to fight for independence for the Baltic states in the early 1960s. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026 This puzzle is stuffed with nuance, pleasing crosses and a lot of simply terrific, ridiculously evocative stuff — for example, a jarring assortment of lovely trivia intersecting with some hideous ailments at more than one juncture. — Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 As attacks escalate between Ethiopia and Tigrayan rebels, intersecting wars could deepen instability across regions already mired in conflict. — Rael Ombuor, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intersect

Word History

Etymology

Latin intersectus, past participle of intersecare, from inter- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of intersect was in 1615

Rhymes for intersect

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Browse Nearby Words

interseamed
intersect
intersectant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intersect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersect. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

intersect

verb
in·​ter·​sect ˌint-ər-ˈsekt How to pronounce intersect (audio)
1
: to divide by passing through or across : cross
one line intersecting another
2
: to meet and cross at one or more points
overlapping circles intersect at two points
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