framework
Americannoun
-
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.
-
a skeletal structure designed to support or enclose something.
-
a frame or structure composed of parts fitted and joined together.
-
the construction of frames.
-
work done in, on, or with a frame.
noun
-
a structural plan or basis of a project
-
a structure or frame supporting or containing something
-
frames collectively
-
work such as embroidery or weaving done in or on a frame
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The ACT Science Test: The Scientific Method
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Scientific Investigation and Reasoning
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
That deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, followed two years of painstaking negotiations that were predicated on a similar, yet more detailed framework, called the JCPOA.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026
The two leaders also announced a new "bilateral co-operation framework" on trade and investment, life sciences, research and innovation, and security and defence.
From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026
A “rich life,” in his framework, is one where a person’s finances, relationships and everyday life are intentional, fulfilling and abundant.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 12, 2026
The framework tasks AI agents with validating vulnerabilities, generating software fixes and automatically testing remediation efforts.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
In a framework of nothing, slices of Milky Way become a great gift.
From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin
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.
