Episode Meaning

UK /ˈɛpɪsəʊd/
US /ˈɛpɪsoʊd/
Word Definition
episode meaning

Episode Definition & Usage

noun

A single installment or part of a series, typically used in television, radio, or podcast formats.

Examples

  • "The new episode of the popular series airs tonight at 8 PM."
  • "I missed last week's episode, so I need to catch up before the new one drops."
  • "Each episode of the documentary covers a different chapter of history."
  • "The final episode of the show was incredibly emotional."
  • "We’re planning to watch a few episodes back-to-back during the weekend."
noun

An event or incident that forms part of a larger sequence of events or occurrences, typically used in storytelling or personal narratives.

Examples

  • "That was just one episode in a much longer journey."
  • "The earthquake was a shocking episode in the town's history."
  • "Her life has been filled with dramatic episodes that make for a good memoir."
  • "The investigation uncovered a troubling episode of fraud in the company."
  • "This episode marks a turning point in the protagonist’s journey."
noun

A specific occurrence or incident related to a disease or medical condition, such as an episode of illness or symptoms.

Examples

  • "He suffered a severe episode of asthma during the night."
  • "After her treatment, she hasn’t experienced any episodes of anxiety."
  • "The patient had several episodes of dizziness before seeking medical attention."
  • "The doctor recommended monitoring for any episodes of chest pain."
  • "She has been managing her episodes of depression with therapy."

Cultural Context

The word 'episode' originates from the Greek word 'epísodion,' which referred to an addition to a work, especially a scene in a play or poem. Over time, it became commonly associated with the individual parts of a larger narrative, such as in TV shows and podcasts.

The Turning Point

Story

The Turning Point

Sophia had always been skeptical of the idea that life could be divided into neat 'episodes.' She often thought of her experiences as a continuous flow, each moment blending into the next without clear breaks. But the summer of 2024 was different. It started like any other summer — long afternoons spent reading, visits to the café with friends, and the occasional trip to the lake. But then, one fateful morning, an unexpected call disrupted everything. Her father, who lived across the country, had been hospitalized after a stroke. This was the first real crisis Sophia had ever experienced in her adult life. It felt like a sudden episode in the middle of her calm, predictable existence. There were the phone calls to doctors, the rushed flight to his side, and the long nights spent at his bedside, waiting for any sign of improvement. In the days that followed, Sophia realized how much she had taken her family for granted. The 'episode' of her father’s illness forced her to reevaluate her priorities. She spent weeks at the hospital, handling medical paperwork and supporting her mother through the emotional rollercoaster. Then came the long-awaited moment: her father woke from his coma. It was a slow recovery, but each day brought a little more progress. This chapter of her life, this episode, ended with her father being discharged from the hospital, though she knew the journey was far from over. The experience had transformed her, and she now viewed her life as a series of connected episodes, each one significant in its own way. It was the kind of event that reshapes your entire narrative. Sophia returned home, tired but more determined. She started writing a book about the experience, weaving together the emotional episodes of her life into a cohesive narrative. In many ways, the crisis had provided her with the material she needed to understand her own story better. This was no longer just another summer — it was the defining episode of her adult life.

The Turning Point