episode

play

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 asa : the part of an ancient Greek tragedy between two choric songsb : a developed situation that is integral to but separable from a continuous narrative : incidentc : one of a series of loosely connected stories or scenesd : 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

See episode defined for English-language learners

See episode defined for kids

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 of episode from the Web

The bank, naturally, hopes to put that grim episode behind it.

— The Economist, "A long reckoningBNP Paribas faces accusations over the Rwandan genocide", 5 July 2017
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will present a proclamation honoring GFW/IMPACT Wrestling before taping begins July 5 for a future episode of IMPACT on Pop TV.

— jim varsallone, miamiherald, "X-Division pioneer Low-Ki video interview at GWF/Impact Wrestling", 5 July 2017
But Dr. Drew can’t move on, so Amber suggests that maybe Farrah is uncomfortable with her, which seems likely considering that Amber tried to beat her into the ground like this was an episode of Jerry Springer last season.

— mark shrayber, Cosmopolitan, "Amber Accuses Matt of Draining Her Bank Account in Dramatic Teen Mom OG Reunion", 5 July 2017
All 10 episodes of Gypsy are streaming on Netflix now.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "Naomi Watts Self-Destructs in the Pursuit of Happiness on Her New Netflix Show, 'Gypsy'", 30 June 2017
Now Louis-Dreyfus is facing the traumatic breakup of a relationship, as Seinfeld closes in on its bigger-than-the-Super Bowl final episode.

— chris smith, Daily Intelligencer, "Single (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!)", 30 June 2017
Sunday night’s premiere episode focuses on the 1920s, one of America’s greatest period of change and growth.

— seattle times staff, The Seattle Times, "TV Picks for July 2: ‘America in Color,’ ‘Fear the Walking Dead’", 28 June 2017
Kumail found some time to sit down with us on the latest episode of the BA Foodcast to talk tacos, Pakistani cooking, and his persistent Cronut problem.

— adam rapoport, Bon Appetit, "Kumail Nanjiani on the British Dessert He Mastered Thanks to Mary Berry", 22 June 2017
The latest episode of Great American Dream was released on Monday.

— c. trent rosecrans, Cincinnati.com, "Reds promote Shed Long, Nick Senzel to Class AA Pensacola", 21 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of episode

Greek epeisodion, from neuter of epeisodios coming in besides, from epi- + eisodios coming in, from eis into (akin to Greek en in) + hodos road, journey — more at in

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First Known Use: 1678

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

EPISODE Defined for English Language Learners

episode

play

noun

Definition of episode for English Language Learners

: 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

EPISODE Defined for Kids

episode

play

noun ep·i·sode \ˈe-pə-ˌsōd\

Definition of episode for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

episode

play play

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