framework

American  

[fraym-wurk] / ˈfreɪmˌwɜrk /

noun

• frameworks
  plural

1. a basic structure, plan, or system, as of concepts, values, customs, or rules: The empire foundered, leaving its people in anarchy and lawlessness, as the framework of their society and culture collapsed around them.

   The bill, if passed, will provide a legal framework for privacy and data protection.

   The empire foundered, leaving its people in anarchy and lawlessness, as the framework of their society and culture collapsed around them.

2. a skeletal structure designed to support or enclose something.

3. a frame or structure composed of parts fitted and joined together.

4. the construction of frames.

5. work done in, on, or with a frame.

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framework British  

/ ˈfreɪmˌwɜːk /

noun

1. a structural plan or basis of a project

2. a structure or frame supporting or containing something

3. frames collectively

4. work such as embroidery or weaving done in or on a frame

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• underframework
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• frameworks
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of framework

First recorded in 1635–45; frame + work

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Explanation

Framework refers to the initial structure of a building. If you ever wanted to walk through walls, you can get your chance when a new house has just the framework done, because the house will have walls with openings for windows and doors but no plaster or siding. From the literal meaning of framework — the initial structure of a building — English added figurative meanings. The noun framework, for example, can be any underlying structure something is built on, so you will see examples like: a framework for solving the problem, a framework for the computer program, and a framework for a new relationship.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

framework frameworks

And even Nasdaq, which is developing its own tokenization platform, has said it would opt out of having its own shares tokenized under the framework proposed by the SEC.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

She outlined Santa Monica’s proposed cultural framework, “Land and Water Here and Now,” encompassing performances, exhibitions, public art and international cultural exchanges.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2026

"The PM's proposal has given a political direction. Our ministry is working with other relevant agencies to put forward a preliminary framework which can be the basis for building common understanding," the official said.

From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026

These fruit-shaped Asian candies with a dual-layer gelatin framework have become a TikTok darling.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

But the thing was, there was already a framework for athletes to make it.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

Without a federal safety standard specifically governing autonomous trucks, states are coming up with their own frameworks for the trucks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

Yet, the technology underpinning autonomous warfare risks outpacing the Russian and Ukrainian frameworks for maintaining some degree of human control over weapons.

From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2026

Periods in which existing theories struggled to explain observations have sometimes led to radically new frameworks, including Einstein's theory of relativity.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 23, 2026

The department said it was also reviewing policies and frameworks covering staff conduct, acceptable use and its fraud response plan.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

Pedagogically Sound: Including multiple perspectives and views on material not only enriches the curriculum content, but also provides radically different frameworks and paradigms to students on content.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

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Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure

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