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noun A2 Elementary Very common

scene

seen

Scene (noun) means the place where something happens, especially something notable or newsworthy. Example: “Police cordoned off the scene of the accident.”

noun
1
The place where something happens, especially something notable or newsworthy.
"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.
"The final scene brought the audience to tears."
3
A loosely connected group of people who share an interest or subculture.
"She was deeply involved in the local music scene."
4
A dramatic, embarrassing outburst of emotion in public.
"He made a scene at the restaurant over the bill."

How to use scene

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA place where something happens, a segment of a story, a social subculture, or a public outburst.

Common pairings
crime scene make a scene music scene

Word forms

scenes plural

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Test yourself on “scene” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Police cordoned off the _____ of the accident.

Etymology

From Latin scaena, "stage," from Greek skēnē — originally the backdrop structure behind ancient Greek performers.

Origin: Ancient Greek

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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