scenic

[ see-nik, sen-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to natural scenery.
2. having pleasing or beautiful scenery.
3. of or relating to the stage or to stage scenery.
4. representing a scene, action, or the like.

noun

1. a photograph, graphic representation, etc., depicting natural scenery.
2. a scenic tour:

   to arrange scenics in advance.

scenic

/ ˈsɛn-; ˈsiːnɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to natural scenery
2. having beautiful natural scenery

   a scenic drive

3. of or relating to the stage or stage scenery
4. (in painting) representing a scene, such as a scene of action or a historical event

Derived Forms

• ˈscenically, adverb

Other Words From

• sceni·cal·ly adverb
• un·scenic adjective
• un·sceni·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scenic¹

1615–25; < Latin scēnicus < Greek skēnikós theatrical. See scene, -ic

Example Sentences

We drove the scenic curves of Route 37 to Maui Wine in Ulupalakua, where the ocean views seem to stretch forever.

From Washington Post

Best known as the thrilling climax of a Park Loop Road scenic drive, Otter Cliff is by far the most used climbing destination.

From Outside Online

I took us on a scenic drive along the Flathead River, stopping at the Polebridge Mercantile and Bakery, which dates back to 1914.

From Outside Online

It is fantastically scenic, with both Lusk Reservoir and the Hudson River visible from the home side of the stadium and soaring trees dominating the view behind the north end.

From Washington Post

After snapping a few photos, consider taking a scenic drive along Badlands Loop Road to see first-hand the miles-long expanse of the Badlands Wall.

From Outside Online

The only catch—he never mined a thing and the tunnel led to a scenic ledge.

From The Daily Beast

His latest film is The Two Faces of January, an old-fashioned caper set in scenic Greece and Turkey.

From The Daily Beast

It quickly becomes way too apparent that this is not a scenic romantic vista, but rather code for Harding's own nether regions.

From The Daily Beast

For a more scenic journey, travel by ferry from Whittier or Valdez.

From The Daily Beast

The train line that once trundled cane down the coast is now a scenic railway.

From The Daily Beast

From the scenic point of view it interested me greatly, and I was also much impressed by the truly marvellous staging of the work.

From Project Gutenberg

In addition, their scenic value is very marked in many cases.

From Project Gutenberg

Though the proceedings had been a travesty of justice, they had been invested hitherto with a scenic stateliness.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a value in novelty, provided it is rightly used, which is an important aid to the playwright or scenic artist.

From Project Gutenberg

It is against human nature, and no amount of wonderful declamation or scenic magnificence can gloss it over.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• breathtaking
• dramatic
• grand
• panoramic
• spectacular