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noun A2 Elementary Very common

episode

EHP-ih-sohd

Episode (noun) means a single installment of a TV or radio series. Example: “We binge-watched all ten episodes of the new season in one weekend.”

noun
1
A single installment of a TV or radio series.
"We binge-watched all ten episodes of the new season in one weekend."
"The show's final episode aired last night to record ratings."
2
A single notable event or incident, especially one forming part of a larger sequence.
"That whole episode with the stolen car was never fully explained."

How to use episode

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOne part of a TV/radio series, or a single incident that stands out within a bigger story.

Common pairings
season finale episode a strange episode the first episode

Word forms

episodes plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We binge-watched all ten _____ of the new season in one weekend.

Etymology

From French épisode, from New Latin *epīsodium, from Ancient Greek ἐπεισόδιον (epeisódion, “a parenthetic addition, episode”), neuter of ἐπεισόδιος (epeisódios, “following upon the entrance, coming in besides, adventitious”), from ἐπί (epí, “on”) + εἰς (eis, “into”) + ὁδός (hodós, “way”).

Origin: French

Related words

Rhymes for episode

See all rhymes for episode →

Frequently asked questions

What does “episode” mean?

The word “episode” means a single installment of a TV or radio series. In plain terms, one part of a TV/radio series, or a single incident that stands out within a bigger story.

How do you pronounce “episode”?

“Episode” is pronounced EHP-ih-sohd (/ˈɛp.ə.soʊd/ in IPA).

How do you use “episode” in a sentence?

Here is “episode” used in a sentence: “We binge-watched all ten episodes of the new season in one weekend.”

What part of speech is “episode”?

“Episode” is a noun.

Is “episode” a common word?

“Episode” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “episode” have?

“Episode” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a single installment of a TV or radio series.

What is the difference between an episode and a season?

An episode is a single installment of a series — one show you watch in one sitting. A season is a whole batch of episodes released together, usually numbered (season one, season two). So a season is made up of many episodes, and a full series may run for several seasons.

What is the difference between an episode and a series?

An episode is one installment; a 'series' is trickier because usage differs. In American English a series is the entire show across all its seasons. In British English a 'series' often means a single season — one run of episodes. Either way, an episode remains the smallest unit.

What else can 'episode' mean?

Outside broadcasting, an episode is any single, distinct event within a longer sequence — 'an episode in her life,' 'an unfortunate episode.' In medicine it describes a bout of illness or symptoms, such as an episode of dizziness. The common thread is one self-contained happening within a larger whole.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial · etymology from Wiktionary