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

Although the newer framework identified a larger number of people with excess body fat, the Rutgers team found that much simpler methods produced similar levels of accuracy.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 31, 2026

Turkey's defence ministry has stated that its forces are providing "necessary support" to Somali authorities regarding the incident involving a hijacked vessel in Somali territorial waters, within the framework of their security agreement.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

Utilities asked Newsom to strengthen a framework that he and lawmakers created in 2019 to protect utilities from bankruptcy after their equipment ignites a catastrophic fire.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026

Nvidia turned in a stellar earnings report and forecast, and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh made his policy framework a bit more transparent.

From Barron's ● Aug. 29, 2026

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

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

On Tuesday, Woodside walked away from that target, citing delays to policy frameworks and the slow development of some markets for clean-energy products.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

Delangue said he hopes that legal frameworks are maintained to recognise this and to make sure that the companies that make mistakes leading to the hacks are "accountable."

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

The simulations showed that the frameworks of amorphous interfaces crystallized during deformation.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 31, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

To this end, Orff created frameworks or pathways to help children experiment without pressure or stress.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure