set piece
noun
plural set pieces
1
a
: a composition (as in literature, art, or music) executed in a fixed or ideal form often with studied artistry and brilliant effect
b
: a scene, depiction, speech, or event that is obviously designed to have an imposing effect
2
: a realistic piece of stage scenery standing by itself
3
: a precisely planned and conducted military operation
an offensive set piece that caught the enemy off guard
4
sports
: a carefully planned sequence of movements performed by the members of a team (as in soccer)
A set piece can be used on either a direct or indirect type of [free] kick, providing one of the few times during the game that a team can execute something that it may have spent hours practicing.—
Doug Roberson
Doug Roberson
Examples of set piece in a Sentence
a movie with some lovely set pieces
She scored with a set piece.
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet the set pieces aren’t done in that style at all, and the permanent arch and curtains that frame the stage are in African-style patterns that are further at odds with the rest of the design.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
There are some moments when The Actor does rouse with inspired romantic set pieces and funny reflections on the whole business of performing.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
Their photograph is in the possession of her boss, Raymond King (J.K. Simmons), when he is gunned down in the baffling but logistically exciting opening set piece.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
Behold then the inspiration extravaganza that is the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, where over 30 rooms have been transformed through March 16 into set pieces by 23 distinguished designers and architects.
—Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set piece
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Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
There are some moments when The Actor does rouse with inspired romantic set pieces and funny reflections on the whole business of performing.
—Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Mar. 2025
Their photograph is in the possession of her boss, Raymond King (J.K. Simmons), when he is gunned down in the baffling but logistically exciting opening set piece.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Mar. 2025
Behold then the inspiration extravaganza that is the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach, where over 30 rooms have been transformed through March 16 into set pieces by 23 distinguished designers and architects.
—Greg Carannante, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set piece
Cite this Entry
“Set piece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20piece. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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