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
But Arsenal will try to play their own game, and those low set pieces symbolise something wider.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
The entire tenor of the match was nearly much different for the second half, as SDFC came out after intermission and just moments in, executed a set piece that played out perfectly — if not for VAR.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
The set pieces are massive, and the color and lighting are lush in a way that feels almost operatic.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2026
Her accuracy and touch is a crucial part of the set pieces run by the RedHawks.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for set piece
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Michael Cox, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
The entire tenor of the match was nearly much different for the second half, as SDFC came out after intermission and just moments in, executed a set piece that played out perfectly — if not for VAR.
—Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
The set pieces are massive, and the color and lighting are lush in a way that feels almost operatic.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 Apr. 2026
Her accuracy and touch is a crucial part of the set pieces run by the RedHawks.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 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 1 May. 2026.
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