set piece
noun
plural set pieces
1
a
: 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
4
sports
: a carefully planned sequence of movements performed by the members of a team (as in soccer)
A set piece can be used on either a direct or indirect type of [free] kick, providing one of the few times during the game that a team can execute something that it may have spent hours practicing.—
Doug Roberson
Doug Roberson
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
Tactically, the clash promises to be fascinating as Arsenal is likely to rely on quick transitions, disciplined defending, and set pieces, while Bayern will aim to dominate possession and use sharp, incisive attacks to punish even minor defensive lapses.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Gilmour’s set, that pile of versatile luggage, has the right idea of allowing us in the audience to imagine the magical city the show’s characters keep describing without ruining it with the literalism of giant 30 Rockefeller Plaza set pieces or, worse, a huge screen.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025
Printemps’ holiday installation transformed the downtown store into an immersive tableau of Parisian performance, with dancers, musicians and illuminated set pieces shifting the mood from retail launch to cultural program.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 19 Nov. 2025
During certain scenes, the seats at either end of the stage move to allow set pieces and actors through, and when a tribute from your district dies, the corresponding section of the audience flashes red.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set piece
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Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Gilmour’s set, that pile of versatile luggage, has the right idea of allowing us in the audience to imagine the magical city the show’s characters keep describing without ruining it with the literalism of giant 30 Rockefeller Plaza set pieces or, worse, a huge screen.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025
Printemps’ holiday installation transformed the downtown store into an immersive tableau of Parisian performance, with dancers, musicians and illuminated set pieces shifting the mood from retail launch to cultural program.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 19 Nov. 2025
During certain scenes, the seats at either end of the stage move to allow set pieces and actors through, and when a tribute from your district dies, the corresponding section of the audience flashes red.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set piece
Cite this Entry
“Set piece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20piece. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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