scene
seen
Scene (noun) means the place where something happens, especially something notable or newsworthy. Example: “Paramedics were already at the scene when the first journalists arrived.”
noun
1
The place where something happens, especially something notable or newsworthy.
"Paramedics were already at the scene when the first journalists arrived."
"Police cordoned off the scene of the accident."
"Reporters rushed to the scene of the fire."
2
A single episode or part of a play, film, or story set in one place or time.
"In the opening scene, a woman waits alone at a rainy railway station."
"The actors rehearsed the kitchen scene again until the timing felt right."
"The final scene brought the audience to tears."
3
A loosely connected group of people who share an interest or subculture.
"There is a lively art scene in the city, with new galleries opening all the time."
"He has been part of the underground club scene since he was a teenager."
"She was deeply involved in the local music scene."
4
A dramatic, embarrassing outburst of emotion in public.
"Please don't make a scene in front of the children, he whispered."
"She hated causing a scene, so she quietly paid and left the shop."
"He made a scene at the restaurant over the bill."
How to use scene
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA place where something happens, a segment of a story, a social subculture, or a public outburst.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
crime scene
make a scene
music scene
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Word forms
- Plural
- scenes
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Paramedics were already at the _____ when the first journalists arrived.
Etymology
From Latin scaena, "stage," from Greek skēnē — originally the backdrop structure behind ancient Greek performers.
Related words
Rhymes for scene
See all rhymes for scene →Frequently asked questions
What does “scene” mean?
The word “scene” means the place where something happens, especially something notable or newsworthy. In plain terms, a place where something happens, a segment of a story, a social subculture, or a public outburst.
How do you pronounce “scene”?
“Scene” is pronounced seen (/siːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “scene” in a sentence?
Here is “scene” used in a sentence: “Police cordoned off the scene of the accident.”
What part of speech is “scene”?
“Scene” is a noun.
Where does the word “scene” come from?
The word “scene” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin scaena, "stage," from Greek skēnē — originally the backdrop structure behind ancient Greek performers.
Is “scene” a common word?
“Scene” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “scene” have?
“Scene” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the place where something happens, especially something notable or newsworthy.
What is the difference between a scene and a site?
Both name a place, but a scene is where a notable event happens or has just happened: the scene of a crime, an accident, or a rescue. A site is a more neutral location, such as a building site or historic site, defined by what is there rather than by a dramatic event.
What does 'the scene of the crime' mean?
It refers to the exact place where a crime occurred, where police gather evidence and speak to witnesses. More broadly, 'the scene' is used for any spot where something significant unfolds, which is why reporters and emergency crews are said to be 'first on the scene' or to 'arrive at the scene'.
What is an example of a scene?
Common examples include the scene of an accident where ambulances gather, a crime scene sealed off by police, or the scene of a fire that crews rush to. In each case, 'scene' marks the place where a notable or newsworthy event is happening or has just taken place.
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