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

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

To extract this information, the researchers proposed three complementary measurement techniques within a single framework.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

SG: Because the Vertigo is something everybody who lives here recognizes as central to a sort of framework of Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

We have made clear with both Beacon and Hope what we hope will happen: that management will adopt a shareholder-first capital-allocation framework.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the new cooperation framework on Wednesday after an online meeting with other Asian leaders.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

But dividing by zero destroys the entire framework of mathematics.

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

Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure