framework

American  

[freym-wurk] / ˈfreɪmˌwɜrk /

noun

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

• underframework noun

Etymology

Origin of framework

First recorded in 1635–45; frame + work

Example Sentences

The White House is making some compromises by saying it wants to allow for protections and workforce training programs in its legislative framework.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

He added that the US had accepted the "general framework" of the Iranian 10-point plan.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Instead, a more helpful framework is to interpret the curve as a signal to help traders and end users of oil manage their inventories.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Iran and the U.S. have received the framework of a deal for an immediate cease-fire drafted by Pakistan, Reuters reported on Monday, citing a source aware of the proposals.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Yet dividing by zero destroys the fabric of mathematics and the framework of logic—and threatens to undermine the very basis of science.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure