noun, plural sce·nar·i·os.
- an outline of the plot of a dramatic work, giving particulars as to the scenes, characters, situations, etc.
- the outline or the manuscript of a motion picture or television program, giving the action in the order in which it takes place, the description of scenes and characters, etc.
- an imagined or projected sequence of events, especially any of several detailed plans or possibilities: One scenario calls for doubling profits by increasing our advertising, the other by reducing costs.
noun plural -narios
- a summary of the plot of a play, etc, including information about its characters, scenes, etc
- a predicted sequence of eventslet’s try another scenario, involving the demise of democracy
n.1868, “sketch of the plot of a play,” from Italian scenario, from Late Latin scenarius “of stage scenes,” from Latin scena “scene” (see scene). Meaning “imagined situation” is first recorded 1960, in reference to hypothetical nuclear wars.