English Reference

Word

scene

US/ˈsin/

UK/sˈiːn/

Definitions

01part of a film or play

A2 · Elementary Countable noun Theater

n. a short part of a movie, play, or book that happens in one place.

n. a subdivision of a dramatic work, typically representing a continuous action in a single location.

“The opening scene of the movie shows a busy street in London.”

“The director insisted on re-shooting the final scene several times to capture the exact moment the sun dipped below the horizon.”

02place of an event

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the place where something specific happened, like an accident or a crime.

n. the specific location where an event, especially a notable or illegal one, occurs.

“Police arrived at the scene of the accident within minutes.”

“Forensic experts spent hours examining the scene for any evidence that might identify the intruder.”

Synonyms

03a view or landscape

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a view of a place that you can see, like a beautiful park or a busy city.

n. a landscape or a particular view of a place as seen by a spectator.

“It was a peaceful scene with sheep grazing on the green hills.”

“The artist captured a bustling market scene, filled with vibrant colours and the energy of the local traders.”

Synonyms

04public argument

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a loud or angry argument in public that makes other people feel embarrassed.

n. a public display of strong emotion or an embarrassing outburst.

“Please don't make a scene in the restaurant just because the food is late.”

“She was desperate to avoid making a scene, so she waited until they were in the car to express her frustration.”

05social group

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a particular area of activity or the people involved in it.

n. a specific social environment or subculture defined by a shared interest.

“He is very active in the local music scene and plays in three bands.”

“The city's tech scene has grown rapidly over the last decade, attracting investors from all over the world.”

Etymology

From Late Middle English scene, from Middle French scene, borrowed from Latin sc(a)ena, from Ancient Greek σκηνή (skēnḗ, “scene, stage”). Doublet of scena and skene.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

scene(A2)

ADJECTIVE

Idioms

Domains

FilmTelevisionTheater

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference