scenery

[ see-nuh-ree ]

noun

1. the general appearance of a place; the aggregate of features that give character to a landscape.

   Synonyms: view, terrain

2. hangings, draperies, structures, etc., used on a stage to represent a locale or furnish decorative background.

scenery

/ ˈsiːnərɪ /

noun

1. the natural features of a landscape
2. theatre the painted backcloths, stage structures, etc, used to represent a location in a theatre or studio

Word History and Origins

Origin of scenery¹

First recorded in 1740–50; scene + -ery

Word History and Origins

Origin of scenery¹

C18: from Italian scenario

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. chew the scenery, to act melodramatically; overact.

Example Sentences

The cast is uniformly excellent, including the peacocking Washington, chewing the scenery, and the soulful Mescal, looking like the statue of David come to life in fierce, brutal form.

From Los Angeles Times

‘Conclave’ costars John Lithgow and Stanley Tucci can masticate the scenery with the best of them.

From Los Angeles Times

Conan O’Brien’s series, which premiered in April, gives viewers beautiful scenery and lessons about different countries with the added bonus of making you laugh uncontrollably as he visits international fans who have been featured on his podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Needed a change of scenery,” Kesluk says when asked why he moved to New York.

From Los Angeles Times

“It sounds like a lot of money when you say it’s $400 million more, but in the big picture, it’s nothing like what Georgia is giving out,” said Gervasi, who added that he is struggling to keep his set and scenery storage business afloat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• backdrop
• decor
• furnishings
• furniture
• landscape
• setting
• spectacle
• terrain