First Known Use: circa 1520
Dictionary
scene
scene
noun \ˈsēn\
: a division of an act in a play during which the action takes place in a single place without a break in time
: a part of a play, movie, story, etc., in which a particular action or activity occurs
: a view or sight that looks like a picture
Full Definition of SCENE
1
:Â one of the subdivisions of a play: as a :Â a division of an act presenting continuous action in one place b :Â a single situation or unit of dialogue in a play <the love scene> c :Â a motion-picture or television episode or sequence
2
a :Â a stage setting b :Â a real or imaginary prospect suggesting a stage setting <a sylvan scene>
3
:Â the place of an occurrence or action :Â locale <scene of the crime>
4
:Â an exhibition of anger or indecorous behavior <make a scene>
5
a :Â sphere of activity <the drug scene> b :Â situation <a bad scene>
— behind the scenes
1
:Â out of public view; also :Â 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 operated — William Clark>
See scene defined for English-language learners
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Examples of SCENE
- The play's opening scene takes place in the courtyard.
- The actor was nervous about his big scene.
- Police are now at the scene.
Origin of SCENE
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
Related to SCENE
- Synonyms
- background, locale, setting
Other Performing Arts Terms
scene
(Medical Dictionary)
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