framework

American  

[freym-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

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

See Examples For:

framework frameworks

His proudest contribution was creating the framework for the union’s first medical plan.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

In those settings, the beading can accompany damage to the cell membrane and the internal framework that helps maintain the axon's structure.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 17, 2026

The company is also providing the scalable hardware framework needed to integrate software-defined vehicle controllers for its parent auto group.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026

Beijing and Washington are currently in consultation about a tariff reduction framework covering $30 billion worth of products on each side, China's commerce ministry said last week.

From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026

I constructed a framework with a sloping roof.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

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

"We need frameworks, and this clearly lies, in terms of responsibility, in the hands of governments," Caine added, noting that Thales had been working on AI research for decades.

From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026

Modern physics rests on two remarkably successful frameworks.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 8, 2026

On Tuesday, Woodside walked away from that target, citing delays to policy frameworks and the slow development of some markets for clean-energy products.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 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

Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure