- Main Entry:
- scene
- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈsēn\
- Function:
- noun
- 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
- Date:
- circa 1520
1: one of the subdivisions of a play: 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 motion-picture 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 <make a scene>5 a: sphere of activity <the drug scene> b: situation <a bad scene>
—
behind the scenes 1: out of public view; also : in secret2: in a position to see the hidden workings <taken behind the scenes and told just how in fact the actual government…has operated — William Clark>
