Dictionary

episode

noun ep·i·sode \ˈe-pə-ˌsōd also -ˌzōd\

: 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

Full Definition of EPISODE

1
:  a usually brief unit of action in a dramatic or literary work: 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
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin 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
First Known Use: 1678

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 Kids

episode

noun ep·i·sode \ˈe-pə-ˌsōd\

Definition of EPISODE for Kids

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 <a manic episode> <hypoglycemic episodes>
ep·i·sod·ic \ˌep-ə-ˈsäd-ik also -ˈzäd-\ adjective
ep·i·sodi·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: episodicPrevious Word in the Dictionary: episkeletalAll Words Near: episode
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears