episode

noun

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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

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Phrases Containing episode Learn More About episode

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 Davidson did his final episode of Saturday Night Live. — Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 24 May 2022 Along with taking Letterman through her recording process, Eilish also took the comedian go-karting on her episode of My Next Guest. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2022 During her episode, Cassellius also shared the superintendent must have have a good relationship with the mayor, who often influences the district’s policies. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 20 May 2022 The long-running PBS show The Royal Tour has returned with its first post-pandemic episode, filmed in Tanzania. — Emily Burack, Town & Country, 20 May 2022 If Fetterman wins his party’s nomination as expected Tuesday night, the coming weeks could see his Republican opponent or an outside group trying to make hay over his recent medical episode. — Philip Elliott, Time, 16 May 2022 My particular episode has some edgy violence in it. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 May 2022 In its penultimate episode of the season, the show delivered a sleepy collection of surface-level sketches. — Amanda Wicks, The Atlantic, 15 May 2022 My current episode started in March and is still lingering in May. — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 13 May 2022 See More

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

episkeletal

episode

episodic

Statistics for episode

Last Updated

27 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/episode. Accessed 28 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for episode

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