A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.
I found the proposal scene tremendously poignant.
...the opening scene of 'A Christmas Carol'.
...love scenes.
...Act I, scene 1.
2. countable noun [usually singular]
You refer to a place as a scene when you are describing its appearance and indicating what impression it makes on you.
It's a scene of complete devastation. [+ of]
Thick black smoke billowed over the scene.
You can just picture the scene, can't you?
3. countable noun
You can describe an event that you see, or that is broadcast or shown in a picture, as a scene of a particular kind.
There were emotional scenes as the refugees enjoyed their first breath of freedom.
Television broadcasters were warned to exercise caution over depicting scenes ofviolence. [+ of]
It was a bizarre scene.
Synonyms: incident, happening, event, episode More Synonyms of scene
4. countable noun [usually singular]
The sceneof an event is the place where it happened.
The area has been the scene of fierce fighting for three months. [+ of]
...traces left at the scene of a crime.
Fire and police crews rushed to the scene, but the couple were already dead.
Riot vans were on the scene in minutes.
Synonyms: site, place, setting, area More Synonyms of scene
5. singular noun
You can refer to an area of activity as a particular type of scene.
Sandman is a cult figure on the local music scene.
...when he first burst onto the national political scene at age 28.
...a youth guide to London's club scene.
6. countable noun
Paintings and drawings of places are sometimes called scenes.
...James Lynch's country scenes.
Synonyms: view, prospect, panorama, vista More Synonyms of scene
7. countable noun [usually singular]
If you make a scene, you embarrass people by publicly showing your anger about something.
I'm sorry I made such a scene.
Synonyms: fuss, to-do, row, performance [informal] More Synonyms of scene
8.
See behind the scenes
9.
See behind the scenes
10.
See a change of scene
11.
See set the scene
12.
See set the scene for sth
13.
See on the scene/from the scene
14.
See not be one's scene
More Synonyms of scene
scene in British English
(siːn)
noun
1.
the place where an action or event, real or imaginary, occurs
2.
the setting for the action of a play, novel, etc
3.
an incident or situation, real or imaginary, esp as described or represented
4.
a.
a subdivision of an act of a play, in which the time is continuous and the setting fixed
b.
a single event, esp a significant one, in a play
5. cinema
a shot or series of shots that constitutes a unit of the action
6.
the backcloths, stage setting, etc, for a play or film set; scenery
7.
the prospect of a place, landscape, etc
8.
a display of emotion, esp an embarrassing one to the onlookers
9. informal
the environment for a specific activity
the fashion scene
10. informal
interest or chosen occupation
classical music is not my scene
11. rare
the stage, esp of a theatre in ancient Greece or Rome
12. behind the scenes
Word origin
C16: from Latin scēna theatrical stage, from Greek skēnē tent, stage
scene in American English
(sin)
noun
1.
in ancient Greece or Rome, a theater stage
2.
the place in which any event, real or imagined, occurs
the scene of a battle
3.
the setting or locale of the action of a play, opera, story, etc.
the scene of Hamlet is Denmark
4.
a division of a play, usually part of an act, in which conventionally the action is continuousand in a single place
5.
a.
a part of a play, film, story, etc. that constitutes a unit of development or action, as a passage between certain characters
b. Cinema
a section of a film, usually made up of a number of shots, which is unified by time, setting, characters, etc.
6.
scenery (sense 1)
7.
a view of people or places; picture or spectacle
8.
an awkward or embarrassing display of strong or excited feeling before others
to make a scene in court
9.
an episode, situation, or event, real or imaginary, esp. as described or represented
10. Informal
the locale or environment for a specified activity
the poetry scene
Idioms:
behind the scenes
make the scene
Word origin
MFr scène < L scena, scaena < Gr skēnē, covered place, tent, stage < IE base *sai-, to gleam softly > shine
More idioms containing
scene
set the scene for something
COBUILD Collocations
scene
action scene
art scene
battle scene
chaotic scene
deleted scene
fight scene
film a scene
flee the scene
murder scene
music scene
opening scene
shoot a scene
social scene
Examples of 'scene' in a sentence
scene
That school was used for the chapel and the playing field scenes.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You can picture the opening scene already.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The political scene will be the liveliest since devolution.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
We all jumped back into the car and raced away from the scene of the crime.
Frankie Dettori with Jonathan Powell FRANKIE: The Autobiography of Frankie Dettori (2004)
This would set the scene for an intriguing clash of philosophies in the back row.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Only in the last few scenes does the film weaken.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The court heard that police and ambulances arrived at the scene of the staged accident.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is the best scene in the book.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
What they did not know was that behind the scenes cheerleading had changed.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
So filming their first scenes since her comeback was emotional for both of them.
The Sun (2015)
It was like a scene from a play.
Smout, T.C. & Wood, Sydney Scottish Voices 1745-1960 (1990)
It can help draw attention to an area of a scene that would normally be too bland to be noticed.
Freeman, Michael Collins Complete Guide to Photography (1993)
Picture the scene if you dare.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The scenes were pictures from my first school Bible.
Aidan Hartley THE ZANZIBAR CHEST: A Memoir of Love and War (2003)
The Chariots of Fire beach running scene just gets me.
Christianity Today (2000)
In shocking scenes, she ages by decades and is left a wrinkly OAP!
The Sun (2008)
In other languages
scene
British English: scene /siːn/ NOUN
A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.
...the opening scene of the play.
American English: scene
Arabic: مَشْهَد
Brazilian Portuguese: cena
Chinese: 现场
Croatian: scena
Czech: dějiště
Danish: scene
Dutch: scène voorval, toneel
European Spanish: escenario suceso
Finnish: tapahtumapaikka rikoksen ym.
French: scène partie d’un film
German: Schauplatz
Greek: σκηνή
Italian: scena
Japanese: 場面
Korean: 현장
Norwegian: scene
Polish: scena widownia
European Portuguese: cena
Romanian: scenă
Russian: сцена
Latin American Spanish: escenario
Swedish: scen
Thai: สถานที่เกิดเหตุ
Turkish: sahne olay, bölüm
Ukrainian: сцена
Vietnamese: quang cảnh
All related terms of 'scene'
scena
a scene in an opera , usually longer than a single aria
art scene
You can refer to an area of activity as a particular type of scene .
sex scene
a scene in a movie that shows people having sex
crime scene
A crime scene is a place that is being investigated by the police because a crime has taken place there.
crowd scene
(in a film, play, or television programme) a scene in which a crowd appears
drop scene
a drop curtain , often of painted or dyed canvas , located downstage and used as the backdrop for a scene played while the set upstage is being changed
fight scene
A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.
love scene
a play or film scene in which characters make love
music scene
You can refer to an area of activity as a particular type of scene .
scene dock
a place in a theatre where scenery is stored, usually near the stage
scene shift
the changing of scenes during a play
action scene
A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.
battle scene
A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.
bedroom scene
a scene in which lovers are in bed
chaotic scene
You refer to a place as a scene when you are describing its appearance and indicating what impression it makes on you.
deleted scene
A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.
murder scene
The scene of an event is the place where it happened .
opening scene
A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.
primal scene
a child's observation of an act of sexual intercourse , esp. between the child's parents
scene change
a change of scene in a theatre , where one set is dismantled and another is erected
scene painter
a person who paints scenery in a theatre
scene shifter
a person who changes scenes during a play
social scene
You can refer to an area of activity as a particular type of scene .
deathbed scene
a depiction in art or literature of events that take place at somebody's deathbed
film a scene
A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.
nativity scene
a set of figures displayed at Christmas as an artistic representation of the birth of Jesus Christ
flee the scene
The scene of an event is the place where it happened .
make the scene
to be present
mise en scène
the arrangement of properties, scenery , etc, in a play
set the scene
If you set the scene for someone, you tell them what they need to know in order to understand what is going to happen or be said next .
shoot a scene
A scene in a play, film, or book is part of it in which a series of events happen in the same place.
a change of scene
If you have a change of scene , you go somewhere different after being in a particular place for a long time.
not be one's scene
If you say that an activity or place is not your scene , you mean that you do not like it or enjoy it.
set the scene for sth
Something that sets the scene for a particular event creates the conditions in which the event is likely to happen .
sceneman
a person who moves stage scenery during theatrical performances
on the scene/from the scene
When a person or thing appears on the scene , they come into being or become involved in something. When they disappear from the scene , they are no longer there or are no longer involved.
to set the scene to set the stage
If someone sets the scene or sets the stage for an event to take place, they make preparations so that it can take place.
to set the stage set the scene/stage for
If someone sets the scene or sets the stage for an event to take place, they make preparations so that it can take place.
Chinese translation of 'scene'
scene
(siːn)
n(c)
(in play, film, book) 一场(場) (yī chǎng)
[of crime, accident]现(現)场(場) (xiànchǎng)
(= picture) 景象 (jǐngxiàng)
(= event) 场(場)面 (chǎngmiàn)
(inf, = fuss) 当(當)众(眾)吵闹(鬧) (dāngzhòng chǎonào)
behind the scenes秘(祕)密地 (mìmì de)
to appear on the scene到场(場) (dàochǎng)
the political scene政治舞台(臺) (zhèngzhì wǔtái)
to set the scene for sth为(為)某事的发(發)生做准(準)备(備) (wèi mǒushì de fāshēng zuò zhǔnbèi)
to make a scene (inf, fuss) 大吵大闹(鬧) (dà chǎo dà nào)
All related terms of 'scene'
to make a scene
( inf : fuss ) 大吵大闹(鬧) dà chǎo dà nào
a change of scene
换(換)换(換)环(環)境 huànhuàn huánjìng
the political scene
政治舞台(臺) zhèngzhì wǔtái
to appear on the scene
到场(場) dàochǎng
to set the scene for sth
为(為)某事的发(發)生做准(準)备(備) wèi mǒushì de fāshēng zuò zhǔnbèi
to set the scene or stage for sth
为(為)某事创(創)造条(條)件 wèi mǒushì chuàngzào tiáojiàn
1 (noun)
Definition
a division of an act of a play, in which the setting is fixed and the action is continuous
the opening scene
Synonyms
act
part
division
Each was divided into several divisions.
episode
The final episode will be shown next Saturday.
2 (noun)
Definition
the backcloths or screens used to represent a location in a play or film set
The lights go up, revealing a scene of chaos.
Synonyms
setting
The house is in a lovely setting in the hills.
set
He achieved fame for his stage sets for the Folies Bergères.
background
roses patterned on the blue background
location
the city's newest luxury hotel has a beautiful location.
backdrop
The election will take place against a backdrop of increasing instability.
mise en scène (French)
3 (noun)
Definition
an incident or situation, real or imaginary, esp. as described or represented
There were emotional scenes as the refugees enjoyed their first breath of freedom.
Synonyms
incident
They have not based it on any incident from the past.
happening
plans to hire freelance reporters to cover the latest happenings
event
in the wake of recent events in Europe
episode
an unhappy episode in my life
4 (noun)
Definition
the place where an action or event, real or imaginary, occurs
Riot vans were on the scene in minutes.
Synonyms
site
the site of Moses' tomb
place
the place where the temple actually stood
setting
area
position
The ship's position was reported to the coastguard.
stage
He was finally forced off the political stage last year.
situation
The garden is in a beautiful situation.
spot
They returned to the remote spot where they had left him.
whereabouts
locality
Such a locality is popularly referred to as a `hot spot'.
5 (noun)
Definition
a particular activity or aspect of life, and all the things associated with it
(informal)
the local music sceneSport just isn't my scene.
Synonyms
world
The publishing world had never seen an event quite like this.
business
environment
The children were brought up in completely different environments.
preserve
The conduct of foreign policy is largely the preserve of the president.
arena
He has no intention of withdrawing from the political arena.
realm
the realm of politics
domain
This sort of information should be in the public domain.
milieu
They stayed within their own social milieu.
thing
field of interest
6 (noun)
Definition
the view of a place or landscape
James Lynch's country scenes
Synonyms
view
The view from our window was one of beautiful countryside.
prospect
The windows overlooked the superb prospect of the hills.
panorama
He looked out over a panorama of hills and valleys.
vista
an endless vista of snow peaks and shadowed valleys
landscape
Arizona's desert landscape
tableau
outlook
The house has an expansive southern outlook over the valley.
7 (noun)
Definition
a display of emotion or loss of temper in public
I'm sorry I made such a scene.
Synonyms
fuss
I don't know what all the fuss is about.
to-do
Just like him to make such a to-do about it.
row
The meeting descended into an unpleasant row.
performance (informal)
She made a big performance of cooking the dinner.
upset
drama
exhibition
carry-on (informal, mainly British)
What's all the carry-on down here?
confrontation
outburst
tantrum
My son had a tantrum and banged his fist on the ground.
commotion
He heard a terrible commotion outside.
hue and cry
display of emotion
hissy fit (informal)
8 (noun)
Definition
a shot or series of shots that constitutes a unit of the action
She was told to cut some scenes from her new series.
Synonyms
section
a geological section of a rock
part
A large part of his earnings went on repaying the bank loan.
sequence
the best sequence in the film
segment
the poorer segments of society
clip
an historical film clip of Lenin speaking
9 (noun)
Synonyms
show
the Chelsea flower show
picture
display
a dazzling dance display
sight
Among the most spectacular sights are the great sea-bird colonies.
drama
He acted in radio dramas.
exhibition
an exhibition of expressionist art
representation
spectacle
a director passionate about music and spectacle
pageant
a traditional Christmas pageant
tableau
a nativity tableau
idiom
See behind the scenes
Additional synonyms
in the sense of arena
Definition
a sphere of intense activity
He has no intention of withdrawing from the political arena.
Synonyms
scene (informal),
world,
area,
stage,
field,
theatre,
sector,
territory,
province,
forum,
scope,
sphere,
realm,
domain
in the sense of backdrop
The election will take place against a backdrop of increasing instability.
Synonyms
environment,
situation,
circumstances,
background,
atmosphere
in the sense of background
Definition
the space behind the chief figures or objects in a picture
roses patterned on the blue background
Synonyms
backdrop,
surrounding,
scene,
backcloth
Synonyms of 'scene'
scene
Explore 'scene' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of carry-on
Definition
a fuss
What's all the carry-on down here?
Synonyms
fuss,
disturbance,
racket,
fracas,
commotion,
rumpus,
tumult,
hubbub,
shindy (informal)
in the sense of clip
Definition
a short extract from a film
an historical film clip of Lenin speaking
Synonyms
extract,
scene,
selection,
excerpt,
snippet
in the sense of commotion
Definition
noisy disturbance
He heard a terrible commotion outside.
Synonyms
disturbance,
to-do,
riot,
disorder,
excitement,
fuss,
turmoil,
racket,
upheaval,
bustle,
furore,
outcry,
uproar,
ferment,
agitation,
ado,
rumpus,
tumult,
hubbub,
hurly-burly,
brouhaha,
hullabaloo,
ballyhoo (informal),
hue and cry,
perturbation
in the sense of display
Definition
something displayed
a dazzling dance display
Synonyms
show,
exhibition,
demonstration,
parade,
spectacle,
pageant,
pageantry
in the sense of division
Definition
one of the parts into which something is divided
Each was divided into several divisions.
Synonyms
part,
bit,
piece,
section,
sector,
class,
category,
segment,
portion,
fraction,
compartment
in the sense of domain
Definition
a particular area of activity or interest
This sort of information should be in the public domain.
Synonyms
sphere,
area,
field,
concern,
scene (informal),
sector,
territory,
province,
arena,
realm
in the sense of drama
Definition
a serious play for theatre, television, or radio
He acted in radio dramas.
Synonyms
play,
show,
stage show,
stage play,
dramatization,
theatrical piece
in the sense of environment
Definition
the surroundings in which a person, animal, or plant lives
The children were brought up in completely different environments.
Synonyms
surroundings,
setting,
conditions,
situation,
medium,
scene (informal),
circumstances,
territory,
background,
atmosphere,
context,
habitat,
domain,
milieu,
locale
in the sense of episode
Definition
any of the sections into which a novel or a television or radio serial is divided
The final episode will be shown next Saturday.
Synonyms
instalment,
part,
act,
scene,
section,
chapter,
passage,
webisode
in the sense of episode
Definition
an event or series of events
an unhappy episode in my life
Synonyms
event,
experience,
happening,
matter,
affair,
incident,
circumstance,
adventure,
business,
occurrence,
escapade
Additional synonyms
in the sense of event
Definition
a planned and organized occasion
in the wake of recent events in Europe
Synonyms
incident,
happening,
experience,
matter,
affair,
occasion,
proceeding,
fact,
business,
circumstance,
episode,
adventure,
milestone,
occurrence,
escapade
in the sense of exhibition
Definition
a public display of art, skills, etc.
an exhibition of expressionist art
Synonyms
show,
display,
exhibit,
showing,
fair,
representation,
presentation,
spectacle,
showcase,
expo (informal),
exposition,
ex (Canadian, informal)
in the sense of happening
Definition
an event that often occurs in a way that is unexpected or hard to explain
plans to hire freelance reporters to cover the latest happenings
Synonyms
event,
incident,
occasion,
case,
experience,
chance,
affair,
scene,
accident,
proceeding,
episode,
adventure,
phenomenon,
occurrence,
escapade
in the sense of landscape
Definition
an extensive area of land regarded as being visually distinct
Arizona's desert landscape
Synonyms
scenery,
country,
view,
land,
scene,
prospect,
countryside,
outlook,
terrain,
panorama,
vista
in the sense of locality
Definition
the site or scene of an event
Such a locality is popularly referred to as a `hot spot'.
Synonyms
site,
place,
setting,
position,
spot,
scene,
location,
locale
in the sense of location
Definition
a site or position
the city's newest luxury hotel has a beautiful location.
Synonyms
place,
point,
setting,
position,
situation,
spot,
venue,
whereabouts,
locus,
locale
in the sense of milieu
Definition
the social and cultural environment in which a person or thing exists
They stayed within their own social milieu.
Synonyms
surroundings,
setting,
scene,
environment,
element,
background,
location,
sphere,
locale,
mise en scène
in the sense of outlook
Definition
the view from a place
The house has an expansive southern outlook over the valley.
Synonyms
view,
prospect,
scene,
aspect,
perspective,
panorama,
vista
in the sense of pageant
Definition
any magnificent display or procession
a traditional Christmas pageant
Synonyms
show,
display,
parade,
ritual,
spectacle,
procession,
extravaganza,
tableau
in the sense of panorama
Definition
a wide unbroken view in all directions
He looked out over a panorama of hills and valleys.
Synonyms
view,
prospect,
scenery,
vista,
bird's-eye view,
scenic view
Additional synonyms
in the sense of part
Definition
a piece or portion
A large part of his earnings went on repaying the bank loan.
Synonyms
piece,
share,
proportion,
percentage,
lot,
bit,
section,
sector,
slice,
scrap,
particle,
segment,
portion,
fragment,
lump,
fraction,
chunk,
wedge
in the sense of performance
Definition
conduct or behaviour, esp. when distasteful
She made a big performance of cooking the dinner.
Synonyms
carry-on (informal, British),
business,
to-do,
act,
scene,
display,
bother,
fuss,
pantomime (informal, British),
song and dance (informal),
palaver,
rigmarole,
pother (literary)
in the sense of place
Definition
any building or area set aside for a specific purpose
the place where the temple actually stood
Synonyms
spot,
point,
position,
site,
area,
situation,
station,
location,
venue,
whereabouts,
locus
in the sense of position
Definition
place or location
The ship's position was reported to the coastguard.
Synonyms
location,
place,
point,
area,
post,
situation,
station,
site,
spot,
bearings,
reference,
orientation,
whereabouts,
locality,
locale
in the sense of preserve
Definition
an area of interest restricted to a particular person or group
The conduct of foreign policy is largely the preserve of the president.
Synonyms
area,
department (informal),
field,
territory,
province,
arena,
orbit,
sphere,
realm,
domain,
specialism
in the sense of prospect
Definition
a view or scene
The windows overlooked the superb prospect of the hills.
Synonyms
view,
perspective,
landscape,
scene,
sight,
vision,
outlook,
spectacle,
panorama,
vista
in the sense of realm
Definition
a field of interest or study
the realm of politics
Synonyms
field,
world,
area,
province,
sphere,
department (informal),
region,
branch,
territory,
zone,
patch,
orbit,
turf (slang)
in the sense of representation
Synonyms
performance,
play,
show,
production,
sight,
exhibition,
spectacle
in the sense of row
Definition
a controversy or dispute
The meeting descended into an unpleasant row.
Synonyms
quarrel,
dispute,
argument,
squabble,
tiff,
trouble,
controversy,
scrap (informal),
fuss,
falling-out (informal),
fray,
brawl,
fracas,
altercation,
slanging match (British),
shouting match (informal),
turf war (informal),
shindig (informal),
ruction (informal),
ruckus (informal),
shindy (informal),
bagarre
in the sense of segment
Definition
one of several parts or sections into which an object is divided
the poorer segments of society
Synonyms
section,
part,
piece,
division,
element,
slice,
portion,
wedge,
compartment,
subdivision
Additional synonyms
in the sense of sequence
Definition
a section of a film forming a single uninterrupted episode
the best sequence in the film
Synonyms
part,
scene,
section,
episode,
extract,
excerpt,
clip
in the sense of set
Definition
the scenery and other props used in a dramatic production, film, etc.
He achieved fame for his stage sets for the Folies Bergères.
Synonyms
scenery,
backdrop,
setting,
flats,
mise en scène,
stage furniture
in the sense of sight
Definition
anything that is seen
Among the most spectacular sights are the great sea-bird colonies.
Synonyms
spectacle,
show,
scene,
display,
exhibition,
vista,
pageant
in the sense of situation
Definition
location and surroundings
The garden is in a beautiful situation.
Synonyms
location,
place,
setting,
position,
seat,
site,
spot,
locality,
locale
in the sense of spectacle
Definition
an impressive public show
a director passionate about music and spectacle
Synonyms
show,
display,
exhibition,
event,
performance,
sight,
parade,
extravaganza,
pageant
in the sense of spot
Definition
a location
They returned to the remote spot where they had left him.
Synonyms
place,
situation,
site,
point,
position,
scene,
location,
locality
in the sense of stage
Definition
the scene of an event or action
He was finally forced off the political stage last year.
Synonyms
scene,
area,
field,
theatre,
sector,
territory,
province,
arena,
scope,
sphere,
realm,
domain
in the sense of tableau
Definition
a silent motionless group of people arranged to represent a scene from history, legend, or literature
a nativity tableau
Synonyms
picture,
scene,
representation,
arrangement,
spectacle
in the sense of tantrum
Definition
a childish outburst of bad temper
My son had a tantrum and banged his fist on the ground.
Synonyms
outburst,
temper,
hysterics,
fit,
storm,
paddy (British, old-fashioned),
wax (old-fashioned, British),
flare-up,
paroxysm (formal),
bate (British, slang, old-fashioned),
ill humour,
foulie (Australian, slang),
hissy fit (informal),
strop (British, informal)
in the sense of to-do
Definition
a commotion, fuss, or quarrel
Just like him to make such a to-do about it.
Synonyms
fuss,
performance (informal),
disturbance,
bother,
stir,
turmoil,
unrest,
flap (informal),
quarrel,
upheaval,
bustle,
furore,
uproar,
agitation,
commotion,
rumpus,
tumult,
brouhaha,
ruction (informal),
hue and cry,
hoo-ha
Additional synonyms
in the sense of vista
Definition
an extensive view
an endless vista of snow peaks and shadowed valleys