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

“Our framework is easy to understand, and it’s also something you can opt to make a change to at any time. Buying an annuity is a decision you can’t undo.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026

Hafeez referenced the six-stage framework on debt and world order put forward by Ray Dalio, the founder of hedge-fund giant Bridgewater Associates.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

These signatures are important because they differ from predictions associated with Tomonaga-Luttinger liquid theory, a long-established framework for describing how interacting quantum particles behave in one-dimensional systems.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026

In her statement to The Times, Bass said the agreement established a framework for repayment of city expenses, along with “$270 million dollars in additional protection to ensure those reimbursements will be made.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2026

The first step was the laborious process of completely surrounding the hull of the Mary Rose with a 117-foot-long and 49-foot-wide steel framework.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

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

They will be prepared to lead and help shape the policy and legal frameworks that we will need to govern a democratic society where AI is widely deployed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 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

Caine said that it should not be left to private companies alone to reassure the public that AI "will never... come out of control", and that governments instead must take responsibility for creating regulatory frameworks.

From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 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

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Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure

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