episode

noun

ep·​i·​sode ˈe-pə-ˌsōd 

also

-ˌzōd 

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

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

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

The show, about a comic book hero, Captain Justice (Lester), who crosses over from the fictional world to fight crime in the real world, only to discover he’s lost his superpowers, aired seven episodes in 1997. —Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Apr. 2024

In a TikTok video snippet highlighting the Wednesday (April 24) episode of her Dumb Blonde podcast, Bunnie XO, who is married to Jelly Roll, discussed the painful impact online bullying has had on her husband. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2024

In this episode of Culinary Masters, Mar takes our Culinary Editor Jeremy Repanich behind the scenes on how this dish is made and shares the inspiration behind it’s creation, from sourcing just the right variety of beef to finishing with a flaming Madeira sauce. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2024

Outside audio in this episode is courtesy of Meghan Moeggenborg. —John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2024

In addition to her film roles, Victoria made an appearance in the popular television series One Tree Hill in one episode in 2003. —Jane Lacroix, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024

The new episode will also air Sunday at 7 a.m. Pacific on Disney Junior and at 7:30 a.m. Pacific on Disney Channel. —Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2024

Fingers crossed the Heelers can find a bit of respite in this new surprise episode. —Meredith Woerner, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024

April 6, 2023: The Healy episode of The Adam Friedland Show gets removed from Apple and Spotify without comment. —Justin Curto, Vulture, 19 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1678, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing episode

• bottle episode

Kids Definition

episode

noun

ep·​i·​sode ˈep-ə-ˌsōd 

: an event that is part of a longer story or of history or a life but which is viewed as complete by itself

episodic

ˌep-ə-ˈsäd-ik

adjective

Medical Definition

episode

noun

ep·​i·​sode

ˈep-ə-ˌsōd also -ˌzōd

: 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

episodic

ˌep-ə-ˈsäd-ik also -ˈzäd-

adjective

episodically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb