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
There were special guests, interactive set pieces, and a literal wedding.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2026
The trio shot the ad in California, while Xfinity worked closely with NBCUniversal to recreate specific costumes, set pieces, music, and scenes from the original film.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026
Visual elements like flamboyan trees or casita-style set pieces have also appeared in his recent productions and may influence the stage design.
—Holly Alvarado, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Versatility also widens the door of opportunity in modern soccer, where center backs are expected to capitalize on offensive set pieces, strikers to defend in a high press and fullbacks to be as technically flamboyant as wingers.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for set piece
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Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2026
The trio shot the ad in California, while Xfinity worked closely with NBCUniversal to recreate specific costumes, set pieces, music, and scenes from the original film.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Feb. 2026
Visual elements like flamboyan trees or casita-style set pieces have also appeared in his recent productions and may influence the stage design.
—Holly Alvarado, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
Versatility also widens the door of opportunity in modern soccer, where center backs are expected to capitalize on offensive set pieces, strikers to defend in a high press and fullbacks to be as technically flamboyant as wingers.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
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 14 Feb. 2026.
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