First Known Use: circa 1520
Dictionary
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
: 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 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
See scene defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
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 Defined for Kids
scene
noun \ˈsēn\
Definition of SCENE for Kids
1
: a division of an act in a play
2
: a single interesting or important happening in a play or story <a fight scene>
3
: the place of an event or action <the scene of a crime>
4
: a view or sight that resembles a picture <a winter scene>
5
: a display of anger or bad behavior
Medical Dictionary
scene
Learn More About SCENE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up scene? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).