# scene

/ˈsin/ (US) · /sˈiːn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scene
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. part of a film or play

noun · CEFR A2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. place of an event

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a view or landscape

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. public argument

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. social group

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The opening scene of the movie is very exciting.
- The director asked the actors to rehearse the final scene one more time before filming began.
- While the screenplay is structurally sound, the transition between the second and third scene feels abrupt, failing to establish the necessary emotional stakes for the protagonist's departure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.