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

There is not yet any regulatory framework for operating nuclear-powered commercial ships, nor any diplomatic agreement on allowing such ships into territorial waters and harbors around the world.

From The Wall Street Journal

Experts put this down to a lack of investment in local economic development and infrastructure, especially roads, as well as to corruption and shortcomings in the legal framework.

From Barron's

The regulatory framework is built around the assumption that these projects must happen and that whatever collateral damage emerges can be managed later or ignored entirely.

From Salon

We opted for a role-playing framework instead of a direct question to navigate around LLM guardrails.

From MarketWatch

A recent report by The Homeshare Association called for the concept to be included in any new reform of social care framework.

From BBC

Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure