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

Roberts isn’t just chewing the scenery; she’s devouring the celluloid and licking her chops, hungry for more.

From Salon

The daughters were too wrapped up in the most consequential decision of their lives — their choice of husbands — to chew scenery.

From Los Angeles Times

The change of scenery might surprise readers, but it’s been hinted at since the first season.

From Los Angeles Times

The councillor said people visited the village to shoot video for their Instagram reels or TikTok and took selfies with the beautiful scenery as a backdrop.

From BBC

“I needed a change of scenery, but something still involved with cooking, and it definitely made me a better cook,” she said.

From Salon

Related Words

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