English Reference
noun

episode

n.
US /ˈɛpəˌsoʊd/ UK /ˈɛpɪsˌəʊd/ episode UK spelling episode's, episode's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    one part of a story that is broadcast on television or radio in several parts.

    a single instalment of a serialised television, radio, or podcast programme.

    Simple

    I missed the last episode of the show, so I don't know how it ended.

    In context

    The season finale was a double-length episode that resolved several long-standing plot lines while introducing a new antagonist for next year.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    an event or a short period of time that is part of a longer experience.

    a distinct event or series of events occurring as part of a larger sequence; often used for medical or emotional events.

    Simple

    That argument was a very unhappy episode in our friendship.

    In context

    The patient described a brief episode of dizziness that occurred shortly after he began the new course of medication.

Usage episodes released


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”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek ἐπεισόδιον
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated