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

Mr. Mansour invokes free-market competition while seeking a different regulatory framework for his version of sports betting.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

The GDPx benchmark helps create a framework for understanding how AI is spreading through the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

"We need to build up pan-European co-operation and co-ordination on defence and security – a common security framework as much as a common market," he said.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026

In this framework, the universe can be described as a single, unchanging quantum state, with no external clock marking the passage of time.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2026

Most of the buildings were constructed from rough-cut lumber, some from little more than tar paper tacked over a wooden framework.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

Unlike federal agencies, state agencies have accommodated crypto intermediaries within their statutory frameworks for more than a decade.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026

His research centers on metal organic frameworks, or MOFs, which are crystalline, porous materials with structures that can be carefully customized.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 4, 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

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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