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

The bill would also establish a graduated response framework, allowing regulators to impose measures based on the severity of a threat, including throttling a model’s capabilities, limiting access, suspending operations or ordering a complete shutdown.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

The federal government must adopt a new framework this year because the old rules, set in 2007, are expiring.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

Even in an ever-changing wireless market, Osvaldik underscored that the company’s philosophy toward its capital-allocation framework — which the company noted in February involves a 2.5x leverage target — will remain consistent.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026

"For us, the regulatory framework needs to set out really clearly the space that must be left for pedestrians effectively."

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

It is the ambition of this book to offer a framework for how to think about this task and manage it to our maximum benefit.

From "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman

Like Cude, Delorme finds that AI responds reasonably well to precise questions with clear frameworks.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

"We need more predictive frameworks that link behavioral responses to ecological and evolutionary context. That includes incorporating species traits, past exposure to humans, predator communities, and landscape structure," says D'Souza.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 15, 2026

There also will likely be questions on Warsh’s announced plans to establish task forces to review Fed communications, the balance sheet, economic data usage, productivity and jobs, and inflation frameworks.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

A central development from the Federal Open Market Committee meeting last week was the announcement of five task forces spanning communications, the balance sheet, data, productivity and labor markets, and inflation frameworks.

From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026

The profusion of metaconcepts in professional writing—all those levels, issues, contexts, frameworks, and perspectives—also makes sense when you consider the personal history of chunking and functional fixity in the writers.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• groundwork
• plan
• scheme
• structure