bottle episode UK /ˈbɒtəl ˈɛpɪsəʊd/US /ˈbɑtəl ˈɛpəˌsoʊd/ noun1 •An episode of a television series designed to be inexpensive and restricted in its use of sets, effects, cast members, etc.That's pretty much what a "bottle" episode is; one that uses minimal sets, guest stars, effects, etc, and/or uses lots of clips from past episodes, in order to make a much cheaper episode. — 1996 formsbottle episodes