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 resulted in one of the most controversial episodes yet when 11 contestants were sent home after the Top 24 Playoffs. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "This 'Voice' Contestant Saved Adam Levine's Team and It Was So Awkward," 5 May 2019 Dead to Me was created by a woman, Liz Feldman, and more than half of the episodes were led by female directors. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Netflix’s New Show Dead to Me Is Big Little Lies–Level Addicting," 3 May 2019 Starz also confirmed today that Season 5 of Outlander will be based on the fifth book in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, The Fiery Cross, and will consist of 12 episodes. — Julie Kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Caitriona Balfe & Sam Heughan Are Officially Producing on Outlander Season 5," 16 Apr. 2019 In each episode, two top interior designers will be tasked with creating luxury looks for less ($25,000, to be exact) in the homes of couples who are in desperate need of a total room makeover. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "A First Look at Best Room Wins, Bravo’s New Interior Design Competition Series," 14 Mar. 2019 Scottie then suffers the first of the acrophobic episodes that drive him from the police force. — John Anderson, WSJ, "The Heights of Obsession," 22 Feb. 2019 The unique series consists of eight episodes, beginning with the premiere on Tuesday, March 19, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "HGTV’s One of a Kind With Grace Mitchell Is a Must-Watch—Here's Everything You Need to Know," 20 Feb. 2019 Bonus: The finale was one of the best TV episodes of the year. — Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, "The 7 best TV shows of 2018," 26 Dec. 2018 The film is the first major project for Josephine, who previously performed in a couple of shorts and appeared in a few episodes of Wolf Creek. — Gabe Bergado, Teen Vogue, "Josephine Langford on the Romance of "After," Bringing to Life Tessa, and Crying Fans," 22 Apr. 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

11 May 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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