scenery
/ˈsiːn(ə)ri
/noun [mass noun]
1The natural features of a landscape considered in terms of their appearance, especially when picturesque: spectacular views of mountain scenery...
- It was a very long day, but we passed through some of the country's most beautiful scenery and landscapes.
- The last is the best of the three in terms of skiing and scenery.
- Tourists flock there most of the year to savour its picturesque position among magnificent scenery.
Synonyms
landscape, countryside, country, terrain, topography, setting, surroundings, environment;
view, vista, panorama, prospect, outlook;
cityscape, townscape, roofscape, riverscape, seascape, waterscape, snowscape
2The painted background used to represent natural features or other surroundings on a theatre stage or film set: they had all helped with scenery and costumes...
- The music was recorded, and the dances were given in costume but without scenery.
- It looked lovely on television but up-close it was just so much gauze and stage scenery.
- There may also have been some influence from painted scenery used in the theatre.
Synonyms
stage set, set, flats, backdrop, drop curtain;
setting, background, decor;
British backcloth;
French coulisse, mise en scène
Phrases
change of scenery
chew the scenery
Origin
Mid 18th century (earlier as scenary): from Italian scenario (see scenario). The change in the ending was due to association with -ery.