framework
Americannoun
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frameworks
plural
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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.
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a skeletal structure designed to support or enclose something.
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a frame or structure composed of parts fitted and joined together.
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the construction of frames.
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work done in, on, or with a frame.
noun
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a structural plan or basis of a project
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a structure or frame supporting or containing something
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frames collectively
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work such as embroidery or weaving done in or on a frame
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of framework
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.
Vocabulary lists containing framework
The Scientific Method
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The ACT Science Test: The Scientific Method
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Scientific Investigation and Reasoning
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Crude oil futures fell as traders weighed talks between Oman and Iran on an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary framework.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
"We therefore call on our industry peers, TikTok and YouTube, to implement this new framework, right away."
From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026
About 30% of Meta’s payments being released hinge on both YouTube and TikTok agreeing to implement that framework and agreeing to jointly match that figure.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026
It's all part of the framework which American showrunner Scott Frank started to build when he persuaded Netflix to locate the show in Scotland three years ago.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 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
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own devolved planning frameworks and laws.
From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026
Over the years, as the list kept growing, the need to keep everyone apprised led the company to create rules-based frameworks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
“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
To this end, Orff created frameworks or pathways to help children experiment without pressure or stress.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
