set piece

noun

Definition of set piece

1a : a composition (as in literature, art, or music) executed in a fixed or ideal form often with studied artistry and brilliant effect

b : a scene, depiction, speech, or event that is obviously designed to have an imposing effect

2 : a realistic piece of stage scenery standing by itself

3 : a precisely planned and conducted military operation an offensive set piece that caught the enemy off guard

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Examples of set piece in a Sentence

a movie with some lovely set pieces She scored with a set piece.

Recent Examples on the Web

Croatia pulled in front in extra time, through a 101st-minute header from Domagoj Vida, marking the sixth time here that Russia had conceded from a set piece—a surprising total considering how organized this team was otherwise. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, "Russia Is Out of the Russian World Cup," 7 July 2018 Sorry to Bother You’s deliberate lack of panache is sometimes a huge strength, particularly in its most chilling set piece, in which Cash is asked to rap in front of Steve and his coterie of rich hangers-on. — David Sims, The Atlantic, "Sorry to Bother You Is Fizzy, Flawed, and Fascinating," 6 July 2018 South Korea came close from a set piece in the 19th minute after Manuel Neuer failed to control a 25-meter free-kick from Jung Woo-young. — Houston Chronicle, "Mexico, Sweden advance from group stage; defending World Cup champ Germany eliminated," 27 June 2018 But even more, I was drawn to the set pieces, especially those that took place at home. — David L. Ulin, latimes.com, "Philip Roth, a provocateur whose candor seared even as it reflected the American story," 23 May 2018 While one came from a set piece, FC Cincinnati consistently worked balls into the box and had multiple options inside the area. — Charlie Hatch, Cincinnati.com, "Takeaways from FC Cincinnati's 3-0 win at Northern Kentucky University," 27 Feb. 2018 Picking up innovative set piece tactics and implementing them without being Tony Pulis! — SI.com, "8 Reasons England Has Fallen in Love With Gareth Southgate Over the Last Month," 12 July 2018 Orlando City gave up a set piece goal in the 59th minute to go down 2-0. — Jordan Culver, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando City strikers Stéfano Pinho, Chris Mueller could add spark all season," 9 Apr. 2018 The novel features a large cast of characters and ambitious set pieces: a catastrophic flood, a dance recital, a cherry-blossom-viewing expedition, improvisational haiku writing and excruciating family interviews with potential husbands. — Francine Prose, WSJ, "Five Best: Francine Prose on Family Troubles," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'set piece.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

8 Oct 2018

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The first known use of set piece was in 1834

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More Definitions for set piece

set piece

noun

English Language Learners Definition of set piece

: a scene in a movie or play, an image in a painting, a piece of music, etc., that has a familiar style or pattern and that creates a particular and usually dramatic effect

: a carefully planned and performed group of movements in sports

See the full definition for set piece in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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