episode

noun

EP-uh-sohd/ˈɛp.ə.soʊd/UKEP-i-sohd/ˈɛp.ɪ.səʊd/

3 meanings of episode

1
TV show partnouncountable
One part of a TV, radio, or podcast series, or another work presented in separate parts.
Like one chapter in a book: each part tells a piece of the bigger story.
We watched the last episode of the show together on Sunday.
A new episode of her favorite cartoon comes out every Friday.
UsageSay an episode of a show. Things happen in an episode.
Similarinstallment, part, show
2
incidentnouncountable
One event or time that stands out by itself but is part of a bigger story.
Like one scene in a long movie: it stands on its own but belongs to the whole story.
The trip to the lake was a funny episode from our summer vacation.
That argument was just one small episode in their long friendship.
UsageSay an episode in someone's life or career.
Similarevent, incident, occurrence, happening
3
bout of illnessnouncountable
A time when someone has an attack of an illness, often a mental illness.
My grandfather had an episode of chest pain during the night.
Her doctor helps her notice the signs before her episodes of depression begin.
UsageSay have an episode, or an episode of pain.
Similarbout, attack, spell

Practice

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Origin

From French épisode, which comes from a Greek word meaning an addition to a story.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

English episode comes from French épisode. en.wiktionary.org
French épisode derives from Ancient Greek epeisódion. en.wiktionary.org
The Greek source word means an addition to a story. en.wiktionary.org