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

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

From Los Angeles Times

The country's often charming scenery in the early parts of the film starkly contrasts with an affecting later visit to the Majdanek concentration camp and the house their grandmother had to leave behind.

From BBC

The book consists of portrait sketches of local people in the cafes as well as scenery and poetry.

From BBC

“Challenging, but worth the scenery and a pleasant walk in nature all year long.”

From Los Angeles Times

The auction house Bonhams said Feinstein “proudly displayed” this painting and others that depicted iconic California scenery in her D.C. home.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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