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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From fragrant soul food platters off Jefferson Street homes to chic seafood towers in the Gulch, Nashville’s brunch scene makes a compelling case for booking a trip just to eat your way through a late morning. Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 This roster runs particularly deep, from the boogie-woogie blues (Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters) to the bar rock scene (Smashing Pumpkins, Fall Out Boy) and the extensive hip-hop multiverse (where both gospel and drill influences abound). Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 At the scene, a member of the Toronto Police who identified himself as Officer Kim repeatedly prevented EW from approaching the woman for comment. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Sep. 2025 From romantic florals to elegant damasks and bucolic toile scenes, old-world wallpaper is making a grand and graceful return. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scene

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

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Cite this Entry

“Scene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scene. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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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