scene 
/ˈsi:n/ noun
plural scenes /ˈsi:n/ noun 1 [count] a : a division of an act in a play during which the action takes place in a single place without a break in time
▪ The play's opening scene takes place in the courtyard. ▪ Act I, Scene 3
b : a part of a play, movie, story, etc., in which a particular action or activity occurs
▪ a famous love/fight/chase scene ▪ The actor was nervous about his big scene. 2 [count] : a view or sight that looks like a picture
▪ a winter scene ▪ scenes [=images] of poverty 3 [count] : the place of an event or action
▪ This is the scene [=location] where the movie was filmed. ▪ a crime scene ▪ Police are now at/on the scene. — often + of ▪ the scene of the crime/attack/accident ▪ The scene [=setting] of the story is New York City in the 1920s. 4 [count] : an occurrence in which someone becomes angry and loud in a noticeable way in a public place — usually singular ▪ There was quite an ugly/angry scene at the restaurant. ▪ The little boy made a scene because his mother wouldn't buy him candy. 5 [noncount] a : a particular area of activity that involves many people
▪ The music scene is changing in the city. ▪ The nightclub scene isn't for me. = (informal) Nightclubs are not my scene. [=I do not like to go to nightclubs] ▪ He is new to the political scene. [=arena] ▪ After years of making movies, she suddenly vanished from the scene.
b : someone's usual area of activity or surroundings : the place where someone lives, works, etc. — used in the phrase change of scene ▪ I'm sick of the cold weather. I need a change of scene. [=I need to go somewhere else] 6 [count] : something that happens : an event or occurrence
▪ The book describes scenes [=episodes] from his childhood. — often + of ▪ scenes of violence ▪ a scene of celebration
▪ The play's opening scene takes place in the courtyard. ▪ Act I, Scene 3
b : a part of a play, movie, story, etc., in which a particular action or activity occurs
▪ a famous love/fight/chase scene ▪ The actor was nervous about his big scene.
▪ a winter scene ▪ scenes [=images] of poverty
▪ This is the scene [=location] where the movie was filmed. ▪ a crime scene ▪ Police are now at/on the scene. — often + of ▪ the scene of the crime/attack/accident ▪ The scene [=setting] of the story is New York City in the 1920s.
▪ The music scene is changing in the city. ▪ The nightclub scene isn't for me. = (informal) Nightclubs are not my scene. [=I do not like to go to nightclubs] ▪ He is new to the political scene. [=arena] ▪ After years of making movies, she suddenly vanished from the scene.
b : someone's usual area of activity or surroundings : the place where someone lives, works, etc. — used in the phrase change of scene ▪ I'm sick of the cold weather. I need a change of scene. [=I need to go somewhere else]
▪ The book describes scenes [=episodes] from his childhood. — often + of ▪ scenes of violence ▪ a scene of celebration
behind the scenes
: in or into a private or secret place where things are done without being seen or known by the public
▪ The workers behind the scenes have made the event a success. ▪ They made the deal behind the scenes. ▪ We were taken behind the scenes to see the making of the movie. — see also behind-the-scenes
▪ The workers behind the scenes have made the event a success. ▪ They made the deal behind the scenes. ▪ We were taken behind the scenes to see the making of the movie. — see also behind-the-scenes
enter the scene — see enter
on the scene
— used to say that someone or something is or has become an important part of a situation, activity, etc. ▪ She was lonely for a while, but now there's a new boyfriend on the scene. [=she has a new boyfriend] ▪ a popular singer who first burst on the scene last year ▪ Our lives have changed a lot since computers have come/appeared on the scene. — see also scene 3 (above)
set the scene 1 : to give someone information that is needed to understand something
▪ Before I tell the story, let me set the scene (for you). 2 : to create the conditions in which something can happen
▪ His comments set the scene for an argument.
▪ Before I tell the story, let me set the scene (for you).
▪ His comments set the scene for an argument.
