Synonyms of scene
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

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.
Shortly after a scene in which their absent father speaks about them in narration, an echo from beyond the grave, three sisters – oldest Kyo, middle child Asumi and youngest Kino – learn of his death. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026 As Midwestern scenes go, there’s nothing remarkable about Bray Road. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026 The clips showed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex walking hand-in-hand outdoors, plus scenes of a child’s feet by a fireplace, splashing in puddles and the children riding bikes. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2026 Footage from the Dnipro strike scene shows several bodies strewn across the platform. — Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scene. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

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