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
Then the last few episodes become a series of set pieces in which our characters are split into three or four groups heading for common destinations, and solid suspense develops from the intercutting, taking the place of any real urgency.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
The scale includes enhanced production design, period-accurate wardrobe and large-scale action set pieces — a significant leap for vertical content.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Yankee Stadium’s tight pitch — 70 yards wide — forces teams to rely on wing play and set pieces.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
Slot also praised Brentford’s all-round game, not just their throws and set pieces.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set piece
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Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025
The scale includes enhanced production design, period-accurate wardrobe and large-scale action set pieces — a significant leap for vertical content.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Yankee Stadium’s tight pitch — 70 yards wide — forces teams to rely on wing play and set pieces.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025
Slot also praised Brentford’s all-round game, not just their throws and set pieces.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2025.
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