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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Words to Describe Places
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In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
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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.
The campaign features some of the country’s most architecturally impressive toilets, many situated along scenic routes overlooking fjords, mountains and waterfalls.
From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2026
With its scenic vistas and clear alpine waters, South Lake Tahoe long has been a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, vacationers and wealthy Californians looking for a reprieve from city life.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026
Retractable glass doors connect the interior to an outdoor terrace, allowing the living spaces to open directly onto the scenic surroundings.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026
While the region has always drawn tourists, trekkers and researchers given its scenic landscape and biodiversity, rapid infrastructure expansion in the past decade has made more places accessible, increasing footfall and disrupting the wildlife.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
I watched it walk along the coast of South Carolina on scenic Highway 17.
From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
