framework

American  

[freym-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

Etymology

Origin of framework

First recorded in 1635–45; frame + work

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

On Tuesday, the leaders are expected to discuss the implementation of a US-sponsored framework deal signed by Israel and Lebanon last month, whose application on the ground has been challenging.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

"I think one problem is that people are overgeneralising it and using it in contexts where it might not be the best framework to explain our behaviour," he says.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

Beach says it is reviewing its dividend framework and will update investors next month.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

This coating then acts as a framework for rebuilding the mineral structure of enamel.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 23, 2026

The ironmonger promised to send the framework to the saddler by the following Monday, as early as he was able.

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli

Rather than feed Chinese jurists bench books written by the climate plaintiffs’ bar, the group has run programs on using regulatory frameworks to address emissions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

Like Cude, Delorme finds that AI responds reasonably well to precise questions with clear frameworks.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

"We need more predictive frameworks that link behavioral responses to ecological and evolutionary context. That includes incorporating species traits, past exposure to humans, predator communities, and landscape structure," says D'Souza.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 15, 2026

Financial institutions, like those already using StarCompliance, have existing compliance frameworks that a prediction market policy neatly slots into.

From Barron's ● Jun. 17, 2026

The profusion of metaconcepts in professional writing—all those levels, issues, contexts, frameworks, and perspectives—also makes sense when you consider the personal history of chunking and functional fixity in the writers.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure