Podcast
PAHD-kast
/ˈpɒdkɑːst/
A digital audio file or series made available on the internet for downloading or streaming to a computer or mobile device.
Refers specifically to episodic, downloadable or streamable digital audio series, distinct from traditional real-time radio broadcasts.
The story behind the word. Coined in 2004 by journalist Ben Hammersley, the word portmanteaued Apple's 'iPod' with 'broadcast'. Although Apple did not invent the technology, the iconic popularity of their portable media player forever stamped its name onto the medium.
Word relationships
- audio broadcast: Audio broadcast is a broader term covering live radio signals as well as recorded digital media.
- netcast: Netcast is an older, less common term for any media broadcast over the internet.
- live broadcast: Live broadcasts occur in real time without pre-recorded episodic distribution.
Commonly confused with
- webcast: A webcast is often a live video transmission, whereas a podcast is typically a pre-recorded episodic audio show.
Word family
- podcaster (noun): A person who produces or hosts a podcast.
- podcasting (noun): The activity or industry of creating and publishing podcasts.
Collocations
- launch a podcast
- podcast host
- podcast episode
- weekly podcast
Example sentences
- "The host published a weekly podcast examining the history of open-source software development." Tech Journalism
- "Independent creators often launch a podcast to build an audience before publishing a book." Media Business
Memory hook
Think of an iPod broadcasting a show directly to your earphones. iPod + Broadcast = Podcast
When not to use
Do not use to describe live terrestrial AM/FM radio broadcasts or single, non-episodic music tracks.
Fun facts
- The New Oxford American Dictionary named 'podcast' its Word of the Year in 2005, just one year after the term was coined.
Explore more words
telecast, broadcast, content creator, livestream, streaming, webcast
Also appears in
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