framework

American  

[fraym-wurk] / ˈfreɪmˌwɜrk /

noun

• frameworks
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• underframework
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• frameworks
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of framework

First recorded in 1635–45; frame + work

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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

See Examples For:

framework frameworks

"That framework should build on existing standards and the menopause action plans that were already introduced earlier this year," she said.

From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2026

It accounts for most of the matter in the universe and provides much of the gravitational framework that holds galaxies together.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 7, 2026

The BOC and the country’s finance department agreed to renew the central bank’s inflation-targeting framework for another five years.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

A coalition of tech giants and environmental groups is negotiating a national framework for data centers, according to a document reviewed by AFP on Thursday.

From Barron's ● Nov. 5, 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

“Our valuation frameworks broadly point to fair value below the current share price implying risk-reward ratio skewed to the downside,” Chavez writes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026

Yet, the technology underpinning autonomous warfare risks outpacing the Russian and Ukrainian frameworks for maintaining some degree of human control over weapons.

From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2026

Periods in which existing theories struggled to explain observations have sometimes led to radically new frameworks, including Einstein's theory of relativity.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 23, 2026

The department said it was also reviewing policies and frameworks covering staff conduct, acceptable use and its fraud response plan.

From BBC ● Sep. 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

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Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure

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