scenery

 
Pronunciation: /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
  • 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

Phrases

change of scenery

another way of saying change of scene (see scene).

chew the scenery

informal, chiefly US (of an actor) overact: the sluggish pace picks up a bit in the second half, when Robbins really gets to 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