scene
noun
siːn 
siːn place
1 [countable, usually singular] scene (of something) the place where something happens, especially something unpleasantthe scene of the accident/attack/crimeFirefighters were on the scene immediately.Italy was the scene of many demonstrations at that time.event
2 [countable] scene (of something) an event or a situation that you see, especially one of a particular typeThe team's victory produced scenes of joy all over the country.She witnessed some very distressing scenes.in movie/play, etc.
3 [countable] a part of a film/movie, play or book in which the action happens in one place or is of one particular typeThe movie opens with a scene in a New York apartment.love/sex scenesI got very nervous before my big scene (= the one where I have a very important part).4 [countable] one of the small sections that a play or an opera is divided intoAct I, Scene 2 of ‘Macbeth’area of activity
5 the scene, the… scene [singular] (informal) a particular area of activity or way of life and the people who are part of itAfter years at the top, she just vanished from the scene.the club/dance/music, etc. sceneA newcomer has appeared on the fashion scene.British players were finding it increasingly difficult to compete on the international scene.view
6 [countable] a view that you seea delightful rural sceneThey went abroad for a change of scene (= to see and experience new surroundings).painting/photograph
7 [countable] a painting, drawing, or photograph of a place and the things that are happening therean exhibition of Parisian street scenesargument
8 [countable, usually singular] a loud, angry argument, especially one that happens in public and is embarrassingShe had made a scene in the middle of the party.‘Please leave,’ he said. ‘I don't want a scene.’Idioms
behind the scenes
1 in the part of a theatre, etc. that the public does not usually seeThe students were able to go behind the scenes to see how programmes are made.2 in a way that people in general are not aware ofA lot of negotiating has been going on behind the scenes.behind-the-scenes worknot somebody's scene
(informal) not the type of thing that somebody likes or enjoys doingset the scene (for something)
1 to create a situation in which something can easily happen or developHis arrival set the scene for another argument.2 to give somebody the information and details they need in order to understand what comes nextThe first part of the programme was just setting the scene.
Usage note: placesite area position point location scene spot venueThese are all words for a particular area or part of an area, especially one used for a particular purpose or where somebody/something is situated or happens.place a particular point, area, city, town, building, etc, especially one used for a particular purpose or where a particular thing happens: This would be a good place for a picnic.site the place where something, especially a building, is or will be situated; a place where something happened or that is used for a particular purpose: They've chosen a site for the new school.area a part of a room, building or particular space that is used for a special purpose; a particular place on an object: the hotel reception area ◇ Move the cursor to a blank area on the screen.position the place where a person or thing is situated; the place where somebody/something is meant to be: From his position at the top of the hill, he could see the harbour. The position of somebody/something is often temporary: the place where somebody/something is at a particular time.point a particular place within an area, where something happens or is supposed to happen: the point at which the river divideslocation a place where something happens or exists, especially a place that is not named or not known: The company is moving to a new location.scene a place where something happens, especially something unpleasant: the scene of the accidentspot a particular point or area, especially one that has a particular character or where something particular happens: The lake is one of the local beauty spots.venue the place where people meet for an organized event such as a performance or sports event.at a place/site/position/point/location/scene/spot/venuein a(n) place/area/position/location/venuethe place/site/point/location/spot/venue where…the right place/site/position/location/spot/venuea central site/position/location/venuethe/somebody's/something's exact/precise place/site/position/point/location/spot