episodic

[ ep-uh-sod-ik, -zod- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of an episode.
2. divided into separate or tenuously related parts or sections; loosely connected:

   an episodic novel.

   Synonyms: digressive, wandering, rambling

3. occurring sporadically or incidentally.

episodic

/ ˌɛpɪˈsɒdɪk /

adjective

1. resembling or relating to an episode
2. divided into or composed of episodes
3. irregular, occasional, or sporadic

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈsodically, adverb

Other Words From

• epi·sodi·cal·ly adverb
• nonep·i·sodic adjective
• nonep·i·sodi·cal adjective
• nonep·i·sodi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of episodic¹

First recorded in 1705–15; episode + -ic

Example Sentences

Because often with episodic storytelling, people either want to binge-watch it, or they’re time-poor, or watch it with two or three other things on board.

From Los Angeles Times

The show, which consists of episodic nonfiction pieces, is directed and performed entirely by members of the trans community.

From Los Angeles Times

“But we could take that concept and lean into the strengths of episodic television — character development and multi-seasons — and make it in a whole different dramatic form.”

From Los Angeles Times

More often than not, these shows are episodic — meaning most episodes tell self-contained stories rather than serve as chapters in a single narrative.

From Los Angeles Times

The most consequential part of the history of disinformation in America, it soon became obvious, isn’t the episodic lying driven by pranking or profit.

From Salon

Related Words

• anecdotal
• disjointed

More About Episodic

What does episodic mean?

Episodic describes things that are divided into episodes—parts or installments in a series.

The word episode is perhaps most popularly used to refer to one of the parts that a TV series is divided into, as in I’ve seen every single episode of The Office. A TV show is especially described as episodic when each episode is its own standalone story, as in Showrunners are planning to make the reboot more episodic, with each episode being its own adventure. (Of course, many shows have episodes that contain a standalone story that also ties into the bigger narrative.)

A more general sense of the word episode refers to a specific incident in a continuous series of events or an occurrence of a recurring event. In this way, episodic can be used to describe things that occur occasionally or at irregular intervals. Similar terms are occasional, irregular, and sporadic.

Example: Epilepsy is sometimes described as an episodic disability because seizures happen at irregular intervals.

Where does episodic come from?

The first records of the word episodic come from the early 1700s. It ultimately comes from the Greek epeisódion, meaning “addition” or “parenthetic narrative.” In the context of ancient Greek drama, the word episode refers to one of the particular sections or interludes that occur between other parts of the play (the word epeisodion means the same thing and is based on the same root). The suffix -ic is used to form adjectives.

When episodic is used to describe something like a TV show or podcast, it often means that you could watch a random episode and follow the story for the most part. Series that are described as less episodic are those in which each episode is mainly focused on advancing a larger narrative.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to episodic? 

• episodical (adjective)
• episodically (adverb)
• nonepisodic (adjective)
• episode (noun)

What are some synonyms for episodic?

• occasional
• irregular
• sporadic
• intermittent

What are some words that share a root or word element with episodic? 

• webisode
• epeisodion

What are some words that often get used in discussing episodic?

• series
• show
• TV
• podcast
• story
• narrative
• headache

How is episodic used in real life?

Episodic is most commonly used in the context of installments of things like TV shows and podcasts.

Just watched the new Star Trek: Discovery and I can't convey how much I enjoy this series. Some of the episodes are becoming more episodic with the main storyline running through, and I adore that quality in a show. I love going and visiting far off places for one episode.

— Zombethy (@O_Zabethy) January 25, 2019

My dreams are low key becoming episodic. I’m picking up where I left off last night

— F!L! (@ChaoticGoodFili) January 16, 2021

Change has turned from an episodic occurrence to a continuing activity. You’re corporate culture better be ready for it #ChangeManagement #transformation #culture #leadership https://t.co/Ff0t7Gksdp

— Oliver Haas (@haasoliver73) February 18, 2018

 

Try using episodic!

Is episodic used correctly in the following sentence? 

The treatment is intended to reduce the frequency of episodic headaches.