EP

1 of 2

abbreviation or noun

ˈē-ˈpē 

plural EPs

: a music recording that is typically longer than a single (see single entry 2 sense 1c(2)) and shorter than a full-length album

… a five-song EP by the South Korean boy band that clocks in under 15 minutes …

—Joe Coscarelli

Today, EPs look just like full-length CDs, except for the number of tracks. … Most EPs contain 30 minutes or so of music …

—Roger Catlin

There are plenty of reasons to make an EP—whether it's to … find a proper home for B-sides or serve as an introduction to an up-and-coming group before their official debut.

—Bonnie Stiernberg

… released a new extended play (EP) record.

—Mike Sunnucks

called also extended play

EP

2 of 2

abbreviation

1

estimated position

2

European plan

Examples of EP in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Abbreviation or noun

McEntire credits her manager, Justin McIntosh, with the concept behind the EP releases, which began in April and will continue through the year via her longtime label, MCA. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 22 July 2026

In 2024, Willow released her debut EP, Stranger, and followed it the next year with her first full-length album, Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell. — Sid Evans, Southern Living, 21 July 2026

But culture reflects the times, so EP won’t totally ignore the bad news. — Scottie Andrew, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

All three tracks appeared on their eponymous debut EP, which landed in August 2022. — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Abbreviation or noun

extended play

First Known Use

Abbreviation Or Noun

1989, in the meaning defined above