episode

noun

ep·i·sode | \ ˈe-pə-ˌsōd also -ˌzōd

Definition of episode

1 : a usually brief unit of action in a dramatic or literary work: such as

a : the part of an ancient Greek tragedy between two choric songs

b : a developed situation that is integral to but separable from a continuous narrative : incident

c : one of a series of loosely connected stories or scenes

d : the part of a serial presented at one performance

2 : an event that is distinctive and separate although part of a larger series

3 : a digressive subdivision in a musical composition

Other Words from episode Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about episode

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Choose the Right Synonym for episode

occurrence, event, incident, episode, circumstance mean something that happens or takes place. occurrence may apply to a happening without intent, volition, or plan. an encounter that was a chance occurrence event usually implies an occurrence of some importance and frequently one having antecedent cause. the events following the assassination incident suggests an occurrence of brief duration or secondary importance. a minor wartime incident episode stresses the distinctiveness or apartness of an incident. a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work circumstance implies a specific detail attending an action or event as part of its setting or background. couldn't recall the exact circumstances

Examples of episode in a Sentence

It was a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work. He tried to forget the whole embarrassing episode. a painful episode from my childhood Millions of people are expected to watch the show's final episode.

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s what is so telling about the John S. McCain episode. — Jonah Goldberg, National Review, "USS John S. McCain Episode Speaks Volumes about Trumpism," 5 June 2019 In this latest TasteCast podcast episode, Chuck Blount talks some tomahawks steaks. — Emily Spicer, ExpressNews.com, "Podcast: Grrr. Meat. Grrr. Food trucks.," 5 June 2019 From a hip hopera starring Beyoncé to a head-scratching episode of Black Mirror, starring Anthony Mackie and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, the streaming service has got the juice. — Joi-marie Mckenzie, Essence, "6 Must-Binge Titles Coming To Netflix In June," 4 June 2019 The first episode explores the seventeenth-century English settlement at Jamestown, cannibalism and all. — Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, "Three Podcasts to Listen to in June," 4 June 2019 Win streak Holzhauer won 32 consecutive games through the episode that aired Friday, May 31. — Michelle R. Martinelli, For The Win, "Jeopardy! Tracker: James Holzhauer's final stats, cash totals after 32-game win streak," 4 June 2019 Monday’s episode, taped earlier this year, seemed to be the rare day where things didn’t go right for Holzhauer, said Andy Saunders, who runs TheJeopardyFan.com. — Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun, "After 32 consecutive wins, Naperville native James Holzhauer loses on 'Jeopardy!'," 4 June 2019 Browse through the photos at the top of the page for a look at the best memes and Internet reactions to this week's episode of The Bachelorette. — Matt Young, Houston Chronicle, "Battle of the Lukes: Best memes from Episode 4 of ABC's 'The Bachelorette'," 3 June 2019 Miley is about to be everywhere, with an upcoming album and a futuristically creepy Black Mirror episode on the way. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Miley Cyrus Channels the Mother of Dragons In a 'Game of Thrones'-Inspired Vest," 29 May 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'episode.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near episode

Statistics for episode

Last Updated

8 Jun 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for episode

The first known use of episode was in 1678

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More Definitions for episode

episode

noun

English Language Learners Definition of episode

: an event or a short period of time that is important or unusual

: a television show, radio show, etc., that is one part of a series

: an occurrence of an illness

See the full definition for episode in the English Language Learners Dictionary

episode

noun

ep·i·sode | \ ˈe-pə-ˌsōd

Kids Definition of episode

1 : an event or one of a series of events that stands out clearly I'm trying to forget the whole embarrassing episode.

2 : one in a series of connected stories or performances

episode

noun

ep·i·sode | \ ˈep-ə-ˌsōd also -ˌzōd\

Medical Definition of episode

: an event that is distinctive and separate although part of a larger series especially : an occurrence of a usually recurrent pathological abnormal condition a manic episode hypoglycemic episodes

Other Words from episode

episodic \ ˌep-ə-ˈsäd-ik also -ˈzäd- \ adjective

episodically \ -i-k(ə-)lē

\ adverb

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