scenic
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to natural scenery.
-
having pleasing or beautiful scenery.
-
of or relating to the stage or to stage scenery.
-
representing a scene, action, or the like.
noun
-
a photograph, graphic representation, etc., depicting natural scenery.
-
a scenic tour.
to arrange scenics in advance.
adjective
-
of or relating to natural scenery
-
having beautiful natural scenery
a scenic drive
-
of or relating to the stage or stage scenery
-
(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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Words to Describe Places
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Trump is not a fan of Camp David, having visited the presidential bolthole in the scenic Maryland hills near Washington on only a handful of occasions during his two terms in office.
From Barron's ● Oct. 7, 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
Residents enjoy scenic luxury without sacrificing proximity to downtown business centers and sports venues like Progressive Field, home of the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians, in which Cleveland Heights native Kelce holds an ownership stake.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
A wraparound porch adds to the century-old home’s character, while the property also boasts scenic views.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
For them the numbers were necessary for the sake of the bag, and for scenic purposes.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
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.
