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

Clarity Act, which would create a regulatory framework for digital assets, says Pratik Kala, crypto portfolio manager at Apollo.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

Millar said the whole framework of support for families needed to be looked at but warned that help had to be targeted.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

Instead, it's a framework that aims to give teenagers a "clear line of sight to good jobs" in vocational and technical areas.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

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

We were now aligned on the basic framework that would take the country into a democratic future.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

“Those concerns should be addressed through targeted legal and commercial frameworks rather than sweeping restrictions on techniques that play an important role in AI innovation.”

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

There also will likely be questions on Warsh’s announced plans to establish task forces to review Fed communications, the balance sheet, economic data usage, productivity and jobs, and inflation frameworks.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

Through the 2025 Power Generation and Consumption Act and subsequent legislation, the state has created one of the country’s most targeted frameworks for attracting large-scale AI and data-center investment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 19, 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

Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure