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
set-piece adjective

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 Tour surprise song piano is an instantly recognizable and iconic set piece. Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2024 But although Howard delivers some effective set pieces, notably a harrowing sequence in which Margaret must deliver her own baby, little about Eden feels consistent. Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Sep. 2024 However, in the opening of the 13th minute, the Wave used a set piece play as Maria Sánchez delivered a corner kick and rookie Kennedy Wesley secured the equalizer with a header to the back of the net. Jackie Gutierrez, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Combined with a fierce score by Jerry Fielding and a handful of thrilling set pieces, The Outlaw Josey Wales is a consistently rewatchable piece of popcorn entertainment. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for set piece 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set piece.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of set piece was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near set piece

Cite this Entry

“Set piece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20piece. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

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