scenery definition

English

Alternative forms

• scenary (obsolete)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈsiːnəɹi/
• Rhymes: -iːnəɹi
• Homophone: senary

• Audio (US)

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Noun

scenery (countable and uncountable, plural sceneries)

1. View, natural features, landscape.
2. Stage backdrops, property and other items on a stage that give the impression of the location of the scene.
   • 1695, John Dryden, “Preface of the Translator, with a Parallel, of Poetry and Painting”, in C[harles] A[lphonse] du Fresnoy, De Arte Graphica. The Art of Painting, […], London: […] J[ohn] Heptinstall for W. Rogers, […], OCLC 261121781, page xliv:

     To make a Sketch, or a more perfect Model of a Picture, is in the Language of Poets, to draw up the Scenary of a Play, and the reaſon is the ſame for both; to guide the Undertaking, and to preſerve the Remembrance of ſuch things, whoſe Natures are difficult to retain.

Derived terms

• borrowed scenery
• chew the scenery

Translations