scenic
Americanadjective
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of or relating to natural scenery.
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having pleasing or beautiful scenery.
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of or relating to the stage or to stage scenery.
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representing a scene, action, or the like.
noun
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a photograph, graphic representation, etc., depicting natural scenery.
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a scenic tour.
to arrange scenics in advance.
adjective
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of or relating to natural scenery
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having beautiful natural scenery
a scenic drive
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of or relating to the stage or stage scenery
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(in painting) representing a scene, such as a scene of action or a historical event
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of scenic
1615–25; < Latin scēnicus < Greek skēnikós theatrical. See scene, -ic
Explanation
Something scenic is lush and beautiful to look at, like a mountain range. A pretty sight can be called a beautiful scene, and you can refer to amazing, gorgeous sights as scenic. Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon are two of the most scenic landmarks in the world; that's why so many tourists go to see them. A drive through the country, with open fields, farm life, and mountain ranges is scenic. Scenic sights are natural. You need to get out of the city or suburbs to get a scenic view.
Vocabulary lists containing scenic
Words to Describe a Place
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In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
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Words to Describe Places
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A wraparound porch adds to the century-old home’s character, while the property also boasts scenic views.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
The fire was approaching Highway 1 just south of Plaskett Ridge Road, the department said in a Friday afternoon update that included several photos where flames could be seen near the pivotal scenic highway.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026
It said the helicopter was on a scenic flight from a wildlife conservancy in Loisaba to Ewaso Nyiro, a river that flows along several national reserves.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
Kabunge said the "helicopter was transporting tourists for a scenic flight".
From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026
We were desperately bored; the littles had rented bikes to go on this scenic ride to Oak Bluffs and we had no idea when they’d return.
From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
