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

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

But for real, who didn’t already watch that episode?

— jr radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "An area running back goes viral, yellow bandanas, old dudes golfing and more! The inaugural Play by Play Newsletter is here.," 30 Aug. 2017
The camera goes inside McCoy’s massive home theater and tapes his reactions to the episode.

— bette marston, SI.com, "Hard Knocks, Episode 4: The Cuts Are Looming For Fringe Players," 30 Aug. 2017
There was also a moment in Sunday's episode that suggested Daenerys may occupy the same spot in Tyrion's heart that Shae once did.

— megan mccluskey, Time, "Game of Thrones," 29 Aug. 2017
Fans can watch the first episode right now on Facebook and YouTube, as well as all HBO affiliate portals.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "A New 'Game of Thrones' Spinoff Is Coming to Tide You Over Between Seasons," 28 Aug. 2017
Before the episode's big battle, Jon and his men have a short fight with a small group of wights led by a White Walker.

— chanel vargas, Harper's BAZAAR, "This Game of Thrones Fan Theory Says Losing a Dragon May Have Been Worth It," 24 Aug. 2017
Plus, watch the latest episode below or catch the season premiere on their website this fall.

— sara tardiff, ELLE Decor, "IKEA's Design Show Is Back For Season 4 And Your House Could Get A Scandinavian Makeover," 24 Aug. 2017
Anyway, here’s all the important stuff that happened in last night’s episode.

— bennett madison, vanityfair.com, "Game of Thrones Episode 706 Recap: Dragons, Fly!," 21 Aug. 2017
This week’s episode of Game of Thrones massively changed the stakes of the inevitable final confrontation between the realm of men and the White Walkers.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Did Game of Thrones Just Blow a Hole In Its Popular Dragon-Rider Theory?," 21 Aug. 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1678

See Words from the same year

episode Synonyms

Synonyms

affair, circumstance, event, hap, happening, incident, occasion, occurrence, thing

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

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

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

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