scene

noun

1
: one of the subdivisions of a play: such as
a
: a division of an act presenting continuous action in one place
b
: a single situation or unit of dialogue in a play
the love scene
c
: a movie or television episode or sequence
2
a
: a stage setting
b
: a real or imaginary prospect suggesting a stage setting
a sylvan scene
3
: the place of an occurrence or action : locale
scene of the crime
4
: an exhibition of anger or indecorous behavior
He has stolen her salad, but she's too well-mannered to make a scene [=act in a disruptive way].Vincent Canby
5
a
: sphere of activity
the drug scene
b
: situation
a bad scene
Phrases
behind the scenes
1
: out of public view
also : in secret
2
: in a position to see the hidden workings
taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government … has operatedWilliam Clark

Examples of scene in a Sentence

The play's opening scene takes place in the courtyard. The actor was nervous about his big scene. Police are now at the scene.
Recent Examples on the Web In the new Hulu and Disney+ documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, the singer and his many bandmates take fans behind the scenes of their most recent tour. Victoria Edel, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 But apparently, something happened behind the scenes to sour their feelings on each other. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2024 Among the stars of Alien: Romulus who personally experienced the use of the film’s practical visual effects was Aileen Wu, who participated in scenes that included the attack of Facehugger and Chestburster Xenomorphs. Tim Lammers, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024 There’s a scene in Shiori Ito’s searing documentary Black Box Diaries, in which the director, who is also the film’s subject, tells a swarm of reporters about trying to press criminal charges against her rapist. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scene 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scene.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, stage, from Latin scena, scaena stage, scene, probably from Etruscan, from Greek skēnē shelter, tent, building forming the background for a dramatic performance, stage; perhaps akin to Greek skia shadow — more at shine

First Known Use

circa 1520, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scene was circa 1520

Dictionary Entries Near scene

Cite this Entry

“Scene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scene. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scene

noun
1
a
: a division of an act during which there is no change of scene or break in time
b
: a single situation or conversation in a play
the love scene
c
: a small part of a motion picture or a television program
2
a
: a stage setting
change scenes
b
: a view or sight that looks like a picture
a winter scene
3
: the place of an event or action : locale
the scene of the crime
4
: a display of anger or misconduct
made a scene when accused of the crime
5
a
: area of activity
the music scene
b
: situation sense 3
the scene got serious when the police arrived

Medical Definition

scene

More from Merriam-Webster on scene

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