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

You cannot take your eyes off her for the entire film, as she vamps about, chewing up scenery and spitting out hearts.

From The Daily Beast

“Gently rolling hills” roll not-so-gently under my tires, but the English countryside scenery is soporific.

From The Daily Beast

“But I think it was the harbors and the boats and the scenery which first captured his imagination,” she added.

From The Daily Beast

But before you can say, "can someone please sanitize those jungle bars," we've had a complete change of scenery.

From The Daily Beast

This little slice of anarchy is a 24-hour bus ride from Panama City, with plenty of rainforest-y scenery along the way.

From The Daily Beast

There are some bold hights dignified as mountains below Coblentz, but the finest of the scenery is above.

From Project Gutenberg

And the familiar scenery, together with the wholesome exercise of sculling, acted as a tonic to his nerves.

From Project Gutenberg

The scenery was of the same character as that passed the day before, except that we were approaching the more lofty mountains.

From Project Gutenberg

It was delightfully wooded scenery through which we passed, and a snug little spot where we lunched.

From Project Gutenberg

The scenery was of the usual description, consisting of narrow, circumscribed valleys and mountains covered with endless forests.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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