podcast

American  

[pod-kast, ‑-kahst] / ˈpɒdˌkæst, ‑ˌkɑst /

noun

1. a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series, that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer.

   Download or subscribe to daily, one-hour podcasts of our radio show.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to record and upload as a podcast.

   He podcasts once a week on various topics.

   She podcasts her lectures.

podcast British  

/ ˈpɒdˌkɑːst /

noun

1. an audio file similar to a radio broadcast, which can be downloaded and listened to on a computer, mp3 player, mobile phone, etc

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verb

1. (intr) to create such files and make them available for downloading

2. (tr) to make (music, interviews, etc) available using this format

Other Word Forms

• podcaster
  noun
• podcasting
  noun

Etymology

Origin of podcast

First recorded in 2000-05; iPod + (broad)cast

Explanation

A podcast is a show that you download from the internet and listen to whenever you want. It’s like getting a radio broadcast in a doggy bag. It has nothing to do with seedpods and everything to do with iPods. Podcasts are a lot like radio programs, except you can subscribe to a podcast, download it, and play it on a digital device, like a smartphone or a computer. It’s also very DIY friendly — you could podcast the funny conversations you and your friends have about movies, or a radio play put on at a local elementary school. The word podcast first appeared in 2004, from iPod and broadcast.

Example Sentences

"I was in no doubt that it was a sentence that I felt had to be referred to the Court of Appeal," Lord Hermer told BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking with Nick Robinson podcast.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

The Served podcast, hosted by former men's world number one Andy Roddick, claimed Williams would play with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko at Queen's.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers have parlayed their podcast ‘Las Culturistas’ into a glossy brand with a glamorous awards show and a book on the way.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The 83-year-old TV personality announced her break on Tuesday, on the podcast, “Behind the Table,” a companion program of “The View.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

“It was addressed to me at the podcast office downtown. I didn’t tell anyone, but that’s another reason why I was so upset about losing the internship. I knew I wouldn’t hear from Mom again.”

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller